Saints Added Two Receivers to Active Roster
The New Orleans Saints promoted Kevin Austin Jr. and Jalen Moreno-Cropper to bolster their wide receiver depth.
Updated on Sept. 26, 2026 in Football
The New Orleans Saints elevated Kevin Austin Jr. and Jalen Moreno-Cropper from the practice squad to the active roster. This move follows a hamstring injury sustained by rookie receiver Barion Brown, leaving him unavailable for the upcoming game.
Why it matters
The team needed to address wide receiver depth and special teams options following the injury to Barion Brown. The Saints intend to manage their return game by committee while adjusting the roster for their next matchup.
Jalen Moreno-Cropper recorded 5 receptions for 83 yards and a 27.7-yard kick return average during the 2026 preseason. Kevin Austin Jr. previously appeared in two games for the team during the current season.
The players
New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints are a professional football team based in New Orleans that competes in the NFL.
Kevin Austin Jr.
Kevin Austin Jr. is a wide receiver who has appeared in two games for the Saints during the current season.
Jalen Moreno-Cropper
Jalen Moreno-Cropper is a wide receiver who previously played for the Dallas Cowboys and spent the 2026 preseason with the Saints.
Barion Brown
Barion Brown is a rookie receiver for the New Orleans Saints who is currently sidelined by a hamstring injury.
Las Vegas Raiders
The Las Vegas Raiders are a professional football franchise and the upcoming opponent for the New Orleans Saints.
The details
Jayden Price and Bryce Lance are expected to receive increased repetitions in the return game for the Saints. Moreno-Cropper previously played seven NFL games during the 2024-25 season and averaged 9 yards on three punts.
Timeline
Jalen Moreno-Cropper signed with the Dallas Cowboys in 2023.
Moreno-Cropper played seven NFL games during the 2024-2025 season.
Jalen Moreno-Cropper joined the New Orleans Saints in 2026.
The Saints added both receivers to the active roster on September 26, 2026.
The Saints play the Las Vegas Raiders on September 27, 2026, at 3:25 p.m.
Season Trajectory
This roster move highlights the Saints' strategy for managing depth during a season defined by injury attrition. By utilizing practice squad elevations, the team seeks to maintain its competitive balance without immediate long-term roster commitment.
The promotion of Moreno-Cropper and Austin Jr. means these players are now eligible to participate in the upcoming game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Caesar's Superdome. Fantasy managers and observers should note that return duties will be split by committee, with Jayden Price and Bryce Lance also expected to contribute.
The takeaway
Roster management often involves testing practice squad talent during periods of injury to find effective contributors for specialized roles. Fans can expect a rotation of personnel in the return game as the coaching staff evaluates performance under game conditions.
Further reading
For more updates on the team, visit the Football section.
