Barring an unlikely turn of events, just about every prominent New Orleans player who was on the team at the start of training camp will be there when the roster is reduced to 53. After tying a franchise record with 13 wins in the 2011 regular season, the Saints see no reason to make significant changes. And with coach Sean Payton suspended for the season, it is even more unlikely the interims in his place will pull a major surprise.
A couple of players who were considered potential casualties over the summer have solidified spots on the roster. LB Scott Shanle, a favorite of former defensive coordinator Gregg Williams but a whipping boy for fans, will start for the seventh consecutive season unless he gets hurt in the next two weeks. WR Devery Henderson, a nine-year veteran who had his worst year since 2007 last season (32 catches, 503 yards, 2 TDs), remains the Saints’ primary deep threat. He is safe.
QB Drew Brees, the top three running backs, the top six returning receivers, the top eight returning tacklers and all four returning starting offensive linemen are locks for the 53-man roster. If you’re looking for cut-day drama, go elsewhere.
The only two impact veterans in any trouble at all are not exactly household names outside of Cajun Country.
- Chris Ivory (RB, 3rd year, led the team in rushing in 2010) -- Ivory was on the Physically Unable to Perform list for the first six weeks last year and on the inactive list four more times as the fourth-string RB before replacing injured rookie Mark Ingram. Still, he had the Saints' only 100-yard game of the season with 127 against Carolina in the finale. He produced two 100-yard games in 2010, when he finished fourth in the NFL in average per carry (5.2). He is fighting to hold off rookie Travaris Cadet, a fellow undrafted free agent who excels as a receiver out of the backfield. They are totally different players -- Ivory is a physical runner in between the tackles, while Cadet is sort of Darren Sproles lite. The decision hinges on what the coaches feel they need more.
- Garrett Hartley (PK, 5th year, his OT field goal v. Minnesota in the 2009 NFC Championship Game sent the Saints to their first Super Bowl) -- For that kick alone, Hartley is a hero in New Orleans, but he’s also been effective on the whole, connecting on 42 of 49 field goals since arriving during the 2008 season. He missed all of last year with a hip injury, and veteran John Kasay hit 28 of 34 field goals and all 63 of his extra-point tries in Hartley’s absence. The battle between them will go down to the final preseason game. Unless the Saints decide the 42-year-old Kasay can win them an extra game or two with his consistency, the choice will be Hartley, who is 26 and has a stronger leg.
Follow Saints reporter Guerry Smith on twitter @CBSSportsNFLNO.