Someone had to leave the 53-man roster for the New Orleans Saints to reinstate starting free safety Marcus Maye, and they’re betting that backup offensive lineman Tommy Kraemer can clear the waiver wire and return to the practice squad. Kraemer was waived Monday upon Maye’s reinstatement from a three-game suspension, having been signed to the 53-man roster just a few days earlier.
Kraemer, who logged seven snaps at right tackle during Sunday’s blowout win over the New England Patriots in relief of Ryan Ramczyk, has spent most of his NFL career at guard. The Saints tried him out at both guard spots during training camp and preseason before re-signing him to their practice squad after final roster cuts. If he clears waivers, there’s a good chance he’ll return to the practice squad and be activated for future games.
Because Kraemer was signed to the active roster rather than activated as a game-day promotion, he still has three games of eligibility to be elevated later this season. That could prove important as the Saints continue to tweak their depth chart. But the first thing they need to worry about is seeing whether any other team claims him now that they have the opportunity.
