On Wednesday, the New Orleans Saints made a strategic move by re-signing wide receiver Kevin Austin Jr. and tight end Treyton Welch to their practice squad. This decision was first reported by Nick Underhill of neworleans.football. Both players were previously part of the Saints' initial 53-man active roster but were released on Monday to accommodate other roster changes.
Kevin Austin Jr., 26, is a former standout at the University of Notre Dame, where he played from 2018 to 2021. Over the past two seasons with the Saints, Austin has contributed significantly, totaling 24 receptions for 291 yards and a touchdown across 16 games. In the 2025 season, he participated in eight games, recording 13 catches for 140 yards and one touchdown, showcasing his ability to make plays when called upon.
Treyton Welch, 25, comes from a collegiate background at the University of Wyoming, where he played from 2019 to 2023. Initially signed as an undrafted rookie by the Cleveland Browns, Welch joined the Saints late in the 2024 training camp. He spent the majority of 2025 on the practice squad, where he developed his skills. Known primarily as a blocking tight end, Welch saw limited action last season, appearing in three games without any receptions, but he contributed on special teams with 21 snaps.
With the latest roster adjustments, Austin now stands as the fourth wide receiver on the Saints' practice squad, joining fellow players Cedric Tillman, Trey Palmer, and Jalen Moreno-Cropper. The active roster features Chris Olave, Barion Brown, Bryce Lance, and Devaughn Vele, while Jordyn Tyson is currently on injured reserve. On the tight end front, Treyton Welch is the sole representative on the practice squad, as the active roster includes Juwan Johnson, Oscar Delp, and Noah Fant.
This re-signing of Austin and Welch reflects the Saints' commitment to maintaining depth in their roster as they navigate the ongoing season. The practice squad serves as a crucial component for teams, allowing them to develop talent and provide a safety net for injuries or performance issues within the active roster. As the season progresses, both players will have the opportunity to continue honing their skills and potentially earn a call-up to the main roster.
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