As the New Orleans Saints approach the 2025 regular season, their 53-man roster projection has evolved from the pre-training camp outlook in July, shaped by injuries, performances, and the ongoing quarterback battle between Spencer Rattler and Tyler Shough. The Athletics’ 2025 QB tiers list ranks Rattler 33rd in Tier 4 and Shough unranked, underscoring the uncertainty at the position following Derek Carr’s retirement.
The Saints’ 27-13 preseason loss to the Chargers on August 10, combined with training camp reports from July 24 to August 8, reveals shifts in roster decisions. Comparing the pre-camp projection (July) with the updated version (August) highlights key changes, driven by camp standouts, injuries, and Kellen Moore’s vision for a rebuilding team in a winnable NFC South, where Tampa Bay’s 10-7 record led in 2024. How have these shifts reshaped the Saints’ roster, and where do Rattler and Shough fit in the quarterback landscape?
Quarterbacks: Shough Gains Ground
Pre-Camp (July): The July projection listed Tyler Shough, Spencer Rattler, and Jake Haener as the three quarterbacks, with no clear QB1. Shough’s arm strength and mobility were noted, but his rookie status raised concerns about growing pains. Rattler’s experience (1317 yards, 4 TDs, 5 INTs in six 2024 starts) gave him a slight edge, while Haener was pegged as QB3, valued for pocket presence but needing a leap to compete. Moore’s open competition was emphasized, with camp expected to clarify the pecking order.
Post-Camp (August): The updated roster keeps all three quarterbacks, but Shough is now listed as the starter, reflecting his camp momentum. In the Chargers game, Shough completed 15 of 22 passes for 165 yards, including a 54-yard touchdown to Mason Tipton, though a pick-six and two sacks tempered his performance. Starting the game, Rattler went 7 of 11 for 53 yards, scrambled for 22 yards, but lost a fumble. Moore praised Rattler’s third-down read to Cedrick Wilson but noted no “wow moments,” while Shough’s “gamer mentality” drew positive remarks.
Camp reports show Shough outshining Rattler, going 10 of 14 in a recent practice and leading a touchdown drive, while Rattler’s 83 of 114 (72.8%) with eight passing TDs edged Shough’s 67 of 108 (62%). Haener, with 5 of 8 for 41 yards and an interception against the Chargers, remains QB3, as camp reps have shifted him to the third team. Shough’s rise, fueled by plays like a tight-window throw to Jack Stoll, suggests he’s pulling ahead, though Moore’s rotation plan for the Jacksonville game keeps the race open.
Analysis: Shough’s designation as a starter marks a shift from July’s uncertainty, driven by his camp performances and Moore’s willingness to bet on his upside, despite The Athletics’ tiers placing him below Rattler. Rattler’s experience hasn’t translated to a clear lead, as his conservative play (53 yards) lags behind Shough’s flash (165 yards). Haener’s slide to QB3 aligns with camp reports of limited first-team reps. The quarterback battle, still fluid, will hinge on the Jacksonville game and joint practices with the Rams.
Running Backs: Depth Adjustments
Pre-Camp (July): The July projection included Alvin Kamara, Kendre Miller, Devin Neal, and Cam Akers. Kamara (1491 all-purpose yards in 2024) was the anchor, with Miller’s durability concerns noted but breakout potential emphasized. Neal, a rookie, was valued for versatility and special teams, while Akers was seen as experienced insurance.
Post-Camp (August): The updated roster now includes Alvin Kamara, Kendre Miller, Velus Jones, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, and Devin Neal, totaling five running backs. Kamara remains the centerpiece, his pass-catching (68 receptions) and vision critical for Moore’s tempo system. Miller showed flashes against the Chargers (6 carries, 15 yards), reinforcing his potential despite past injuries. Jones, a receiver-running back hybrid, brings speed and return ability (466 return yards in 2024 with Chicago). Edwards-Helaire, a former Chiefs first-rounder, adds pass-catching capability. Neal, despite a hamstring injury sidelining him for a couple of weeks, secures a spot for his versatility and special teams upside, as seen in OTAs where he averaged 4.8 yards per carry. Cam Akers’ absence reflects his lack of camp impact.
Analysis: Carrying five running backs is unusual, but Neal’s inclusion reflects a strategic bet on the running game to defy low expectations in a rebuilding year. His hamstring injury cost him early camp reps, but his pre-injury promise (versatile runs, special teams snaps) aligns with Moore’s multi-dimensional offense, unlike Akers’ limited showing. Jones and Edwards-Helaire’s experience and speed complement Kamara and Miller, ensuring depth if injuries strike, as they did in 2024 (Kamara missed three games).
Wide Receivers: Tipton’s Rise
Pre-Camp (July): The July projection listed Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed, Brandin Cooks, Cedric Wilson, Bub Means, and Dante Pettis. Olave and Shaheed were the top threats, with Cooks adding veteran speed. Wilson was a reliable WR4, while Means and Pettis fought for roster spots via special teams.
Post-Camp (August): The updated roster drops Means for Mason Tipton, keeping Olave, Shaheed, Cooks, and Pettis. Tipton’s 54-yard touchdown catch from Shough in the Chargers game elevated his stock, while Means 2025 season comes to an end after suffering an ankle injury during the preseason opener against Los Angeles . Shaheed’s camp highlight (deep cross from Rattler) and Cooks’ veteran presence (multiple catches in camp) solidify their roles.
Analysis: Tipton’s emergence as a playmaker reflects camp performance over draft pedigree, as Means (a 2024 sixth-rounder) couldn’t match his big-play ability. The group’s speed and depth, with Olave and Shaheed stretching defenses, remain strengths, but Tipton’s inclusion suggests Moore values camp production for the fifth receiver spot.
Tight Ends: PUP Impact and Jacobson’s Addition
Pre-Camp (July): The July projection included Juwan Johnson, Foster Moreau, Jack Stoll, and Taysom Hill (PUP). Johnson was the TE1, Moreau a blocking complement, Stoll a depth piece, and Hill a versatile wildcard if healthy.
Post-Camp (August): The updated roster drops Hill (still on PUP) and Moreau (PUP) for Michael Jacobson, keeping Johnson and Stoll. Jacobson’s chemistry with Haener (4-of-6 completions in camp) earned him a spot, while Hill and Moreau’s PUP status reduces the tight end count to three.
Analysis: The PUP designations for Hill and Moreau forced a leaner tight end group, with Jacobson’s camp performance (reliable hands) securing his role over higher-profile names. Johnson remains the primary receiving threat, but the lack of Hill’s versatility could limit Moore’s scheme until he returns.
Offensive Line: Injury Concerns
Pre-Camp (July): The July projection listed Kelvin Banks, Taliese Fuaga, Cesar Ruiz, Trevor Penning, Erik McCoy, Dillon Radunz, Will Clapp, Nick Saldiveri, and Landon Young. Banks and Fuaga were bookend tackles, Penning moved to guard, and McCoy anchored the center.
Post-Camp (August): The updated roster replaces Saldiveri with Torricelli Simpkins. Penning and Clapp’s injuries in the Chargers game (leg for both) raise concerns, though both remain on the roster. Banks impressed in camp, settling in at left tackle, while Radunz’s versatility shone.
Analysis: Simpkins’ inclusion into the updated 53 reflects camp performance and the fact that Saldiveri will miss the entire season due to a knee injury. Penning’s move to guard and Banks’s promise align with Moore’s vision, but injuries threaten cohesion, which is critical for protecting a young quarterback.
Defensive Line: Depth Adjustments
Pre-Camp (July): The July projection included edge rushers Cam Jordan, Chase Young, Carl Granderson, and Isaiah Foskey, with interior linemen Bryan Bresee, Davon Godchaux, Nathan Shepherd, Khalen Saunders, Vernon Broughton, and Jonah Williams.
Post-Camp (August): The updated roster adds Fadil Diggs and Chris Rumph II to the edge, drops Shepherd, and adds Khristian Boyd. Diggs and Rumph impressed in camp, with Diggs recording a sack against the Chargers. Boyd’s addition bolsters run defense, per Staley’s praise.
Analysis: The edge additions reflect camp standouts, as Diggs and Rumph’s pressure (consistent in practices) adds depth behind Young and Granderson. Boyd’s inclusion over Shepherd prioritizes youth and run-stopping, addressing 2024’s 141 rushing yards allowed per game (31st).
Linebackers and Secondary: Stability
Pre-Camp and Post-Camp (August): Both projections are identical: linebackers Demario Davis, Pete Werner, Danny Stutsman, D’Marco Jackson, Nephi Sewell; cornerbacks Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alontae Taylor, Isaac Yiadom, Quincy Riley, Rico Payton; safeties Justin Reid, Julian Blackmon, Jordan Howden, J.T. Gray, Jonas Sanker. Camp reports highlight McKinstry’s coverage (no completions allowed on August 5) and Blackmon’s interception of Haener, reinforcing their roles.
Analysis: The unchanged defensive back seven reflects confidence in a unit led by Davis and Blackmon. Stutsman’s rookie potential and McKinstry’s growth align with Brandon Staley’s scheme, which could pressure NFC South passers like Young.
Cornerbacks (Unchanged)
Before Camp: Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alontae Taylor, Isaac Yiadom, Quincy Riley, Rico Payton.
Updated: Same group.
Analysis: This room remains steady, with the same developmental players holding their spots.
Safeties (Key Changes and Depth Swap)
Before Camp: Tyrann Mathieu, Justin Reid, Jonas Sanker, JT Gray, Jordan Howden.
Updated: Justin Reid, Julian Blackmon, Jordan Howden, JT Gray, Jonas Sanker.
Analysis: Mathieu’s retirement reflects the group’s biggest change. Julian Blackmon’s arrival is a major addition — and his strong camp performance has been widely reported. Reid remains the veteran leader.
Special Teams: Punter Swap
Pre-Camp (July): Blake Grupe (kicker), Matthew Hayball (punter), and Zach Wood (long snapper) were projected.
Post-Camp (August): James Burnip replaces Hayball, with Grupe and Wood unchanged. Burnip’s 47-yard punt in camp outperformed Hayball’s 40-yarder, securing his spot.
Analysis: Burnip’s camp performance reflects a slight edge in a competitive punting battle, aligning with Moore’s emphasis on field position for a rebuilding team.
