The Saints expect to have defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins back at some point this season, but it won’t be in the first eight weeks of the year.
Rankins was placed on injured reserve on Monday as part of a series of roster moves in New Orleans. Rankins broke his fibula during an August practice and needed surgery to repair it, leaving him out for at least the first eight weeks of the season. The Saints can designate Rankins as their player who may return from injured reserve after six weeks and he can begin practicing with the team at that point.
The Saints parted ways with another defensive tackle by waiving Ashaad Mabry. They filled the two roster spots by signing running back Travaris Cadet and defensive end Darryl Tapp, both of whom were released during the cutdown to 53 players over the weekend.
Cadet’s return leaves the Saints with six tailbacks and fullback John Kuhn on the 53-man roster.