Saints Play Ravens in Final Preseason Game

The New Orleans Saints are in action Thursday in their final preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens. Thursday’s game is the final opportunity for players to make a positive impression on the coaching staff before the mandatory roster cut to 53 on Saturday.

The Saints already made a cut to 75 on Tuesday, which included releasing linebackers, Victor Butler and Kevin Reddick. Butler was thought to make a huge splash for the Saints, but missed all of last season with a torn A.C.L. and missed three weeks of training camp this year with an ankle injury. Thursday, the most compelling battles for the final roster spots will be at backup quarterback and kicker. Head Coach Sean Payton says as a coach, making cuts is never an easy thing.

Payton says, “Every year it’s difficult, because look, they’ve been with us a lot of them all through the winter, spring, and mini camps. Look, it’s the hard thing about it. That never changes. You know, you hope they have an opportunity and get another chance.” Kickoff was at 7 p.m.