Well, that’s odd. The New Orleans Saints released veteran long snapper John Denney and free agent kicker Blair Walsh to their practice just one day after both players were signed to the practice squad. Saints coach Sean Payton explained the additions as emergency contingencies should their starters be unavailable for the playoffs, which is possible given the unpredictability of COVID-19. So what gives?
There are a couple of possible reasons for the quick turnaround. Bringing the players into the facility often requires them to be tested for the coronavirus along with everyone else each day, keeping their records up to date and easing the time limit for their activation should an absence pop up at the last minute.