Saints put Arrington on IR, cut 7

• By LES EAST
• Special to The Advocate
• Published: Aug 30, 2008 - UPDATED: 12:05 a.m.

• Print
• Email
• Save
• Reprints
• Twitter
• Share

• Del.icio.us
• Digg
• Facebook
• Reddit
• 

METAIRIE — The Saints placed rookie wide receiver Adrian Arrington on injured reserve Friday as one of eight transactions the team made on the eve of the final roster cut deadline.

The team must make 14 more moves by 3 p.m. CDT today in order to get to the regular-season roster limit of 53 players.

Another important decision could come today as the organization weighs whether to relocate ahead of Hurricane Gustav to Indianapolis to begin preparations for the Sept. 7 season opener against Tampa Bay in the Superdome.

The Saints also released seven players, including veteran safety Lance Schulters, who was signed less than two weeks ago. The other players cut were tight end Ronnie Ghent, who caught a touchdown in the 13-0 preseason victory at Cincinnati last week, defensive ends Jeremy Geathers and Marcus Pittman, safety David Roach, guard Isaiah Ross, and tackle Brian Stamper.

None of Friday’s moves were surprises. Arrington was impressive early in training camp and appeared to be competing for a roster spot despite being just a seventh-round draft choice, but he sustained a turf toe injury in the preseason opener at Arizona on Aug. 7 and has been sidelined since.

Schulters’ release is potentially good news for former starting free safety Josh Bullocks, who was beaten out by Kevin Kaesviharn, though the team could still opt for just one backup safety and choose Chris Reis to play behind Kaesviharn and strong safety Roman Harper.

Ghent’s release appears to settle the tight end position with Jeremy Shockey, who didn’t play in the preseason as he works his way back from a broken leg suffered last season, Mark Campbell, and Billy Miller figure to make the roster.

The most competitive positions of the team — cornerback, wide receiver, and defensive tackle — won’t be sorted out until the final cuts are made.

At cornerback, Jason David, who bounced back from a demotion in the middle of preseason to make an interception and three special teams tackles and force a fumble in the preseason finale against Miami on Thursday, Jason Craft, and Aaron Glenn are competing for perhaps two spots.

At wide receiver, Lance Moore, who caught a touchdown pass against the Dolphins, former LSU player Devery Henderson, who dropped a pass Thursday, and special teams stalwart Terrance Copper appear to be vying for two spots.

At defensive tackle, the Saints could place Hollis Thomas, who’s expected to miss at least the first month of the season after undergoing triceps surgery, on injured reserve or keep him on the roster in anticipation of his return.

Rookie No. 1 draft choice Sedrick Ellis appears to have nailed down a starting position and Antawn Lake and Kendrick Clancy also appear secure, leaving Brian Young and Orien Harris in limbo.

Veteran Martin Gramatica might have won the place-kicking battle by remaining perfect on field goals by making a 40-yarder against Miami, while sixth-round draft choice Taylor Mehlhaff missed from the same distance.