Elevating DT Pressley may be option for Saints
 

Elevating DT Pressley may be option for Saints
November 5, 2009 5:20 PM
Posted by ESPN.com’s Pat Yasinskas

With defensive tackles Sedrick Ellis and Kendrick Clancy both banged up and missing practice Thursday, it’s looking like the Saints will have to make significant adjustments for Sunday’s game with Carolina.

The only healthy defensive tackles on the roster at the moment are Anthony Hargrove and Remi Ayodele. Defensive ends Charles Grant and Bobby McCray also have the ability to slide inside at times. The Saints have set up in a 3-4 scheme at times this year, but defensive coordinator Gregg Williams isn’t prepared to say the Saints will go to that drastic a measure and use the 3-4 on a regular basis.

“We have to have a plan set up; we have to have a method of playing defense set up regardless of who’s healthy or who’s not,’’ Williams said. “That won’t change it at all. We’ll do that based upon what we think is the best plan for a team.’’

One other possibility would be to activate defensive tackle DeMario Pressley from the practice squad and that’s sounding like a real possibility. Williams said Pressley almost made the roster out of the preseason and has continued to improve in practice.

“I saw a lot of growth from him,’’ Williams said. We haven’t made that decision yet because we have so many other people and other packages that we’re looking at. But a really good game to take a look at him -- and I really needed to see this out of him -- was that last preseason game when he played against the Dolphins, he played lights out.

“To tell you the truth, I was holding my breath that he would make it through and we could get him back on the practice squad. I thought we had really messed up because we put him out there and he played really well enough to where if somebody really would’ve been looking, he’s a lot better than what a lot of guys are playing with in this league.’’
New Orleans Saints, Carolina Panthers, Kendrick Clancy, Charles Grant, DeMario Pressley, Bobby McCray, Gregg Williams, Sedrick Ellis, Anthony Hargrove, Remi Ayodele

Elevating DT Pressley may be option for Saints - NFC South - ESPN

Re: Elevating DT Pressley may be option for Saints
 

I always thought that NC State line his I think junoir year was amazing... Manny Lawson John McCargo Pressley and Mario Williams

Re: Elevating DT Pressley may be option for Saints
 

No official word yet but I have reason to believe that we did indeed activate him or told him he would be activated.

His twitter alledgedly says "Thank you Jesus"

Can't verify it because his twitter is private.

Re: Elevating DT Pressley may be option for Saints
 

I think they cut Carney and bring him up soon. After the praise heaped upon him by Williams he may get an offer from someone.

But if we bring him up it's probably going to be for good. I doubt he'd clear waivers if we tried to place him back on the PS.

Re: Elevating DT Pressley may be option for Saints
 

Totally agree. Can we send Lynell Hamilton back down and bring on Spicer too?

Re: Elevating DT Pressley may be option for Saints
 

Don't Be Cruel - give Pressley the call.

Re: Elevating DT Pressley may be option for Saints
 

I'm honestly surprised that he hasn't been brought up before this. Definitely think Pressley and Spicer should be dressed this week.

Re: Elevating DT Pressley may be option for Saints
 

I would cut Reis and Charleston while bringing up Pressley and resigning Spicer. The secondary has enough depth and Reis is just a special teamer that isn't that special. I was suprised to see Charleston make it over Spicer after the preseason. Spicer is a proven vet that can play DT and DE. I would keep Carney simply because I feel more secure about the vet than the unknown Hartley and releasing Carney is a decision you can't go back on. It shows you don't have confidence in Carney and it puts an incredible amount of pressure on Hartley. That makes me uncomfortable right now. Make Carney kick himself out of the job.

Re: Elevating DT Pressley may be option for Saints
 

Danno, i like that. give him a shot. Carney, sorry but....

Re: Elevating DT Pressley may be option for Saints
 

It's Elvis time ........!

Re: Elevating DT Pressley may be option for Saints
 

I still wonder if the Saints are keeping two kickers to prevent teams like the Colts and Panthers from getting a good replacement for their injured kickers.
Checking in on the injuries that matter most - NFC South - ESPN

Re: Elevating DT Pressley may be option for Saints
 

I don't believe anyone is headed for IR right now, so I am having a difficult time seeing how to make room for Pressley and/or Spicer. I know the obvious thing is to move out one of the kickers, but Carney has been pretty consistent, and we all know the value of a decent kicker. Hartley played well last year, and is the obvious future, would be very tough to release him and also just as tough to give him the job at this point. Not too sure if the Saints should roll the dice on releasing Daniel, I mean especially the way Brees has been hit the past few weeks. Hamilton would never clear waivers if released, and he could really play a major role down the stretch, especially the way Thomas and Bell have been somewhat banged up. Reis could be a guy that gets released and possibly Torrence. But once that is done it creates another problem with depth at S and CB.

Believe me, I would not want to be the decision maker right now. This is a very tough spot for the Saints to be in.

Re: Elevating DT Pressley may be option for Saints
 

Heard on wwl today that Hartley tweaked his ankle at practice and will be inactive on Sunday.