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The New Orleans Saints placed fullback Austin Johnson on injured reserve with the knee injury he suffered nine days earlier against the Green Bay Packers. They replaced him with second-year offensive tackle Nick Becton, whom they signed off the New York Giants’ practice squad.

The specifics of Johnson’s knee injury are unknown. It’s a shame his season ended so early since the underdog had been off to such a great start.

Johnson began his NFL career as an undrafted linebacker with the Baltimore Ravens in 2012, but he switched positions and joined the Saints in 2013. Then after spending last season on the practice squad, Johnson cracked the opening-day roster this year. He was primarily a blocker but had 22 rushing yards and 15 receiving yards with a touchdown.

At least the timing worked out for the Saints, who got veteran fullback Erik Lorig back from his own ankle injury in mid-October. Lorig has still been shaking off some rust in his first two games back, but he’s a proven veteran whom the Saints expected to be their starter all along this year before he suffered his injury in training camp.

Becton (6-foot-6, 323 pounds) spent last year with the San Diego Chargers after signing as an undrafted free agent out of Virginia Tech. He appeared in one game, spending most of his time on the practice squad. Then he joined the Giants’ practice squad in September after being released by San Diego.

It’s unclear if the Saints are concerned about starting right tackle Zach Strief’s availability after he left last Thursday’s game at Carolina with a back injury. The Saints’ first practice and injury report of the week will be Wednesday as they prepare to host the San Francisco 49ers.



The Saints also added two new players to their practice squad -- fullback Michael Zordich and running back Tauren Poole.

New Orleans Saints place FB Austin Johnson on IR, sign OT Nick Becton - ESPN

jnormand

I really liked Johnson. I'd prefer him over Lorig at this point. Although I admit I haven't seen what Lorig can really do. I hope he's as good or better than Johnson.

dizzle88

In 2 weeks Lorig has been the result of 2 fumbles

Fumbled vs packers and got pushed into Brees' arm to cause another fumble

Massively prefer Austin Johnson but now he's on IR what can we do.

hagan714

Lorig Vs. Johnson

Hybrid FB vs Traditional FB

Poor Blocker vs one of the league's better lead blockers

pass catcher vs blocker

This one thing that drives me nuts about the saints. Traditional TE and FB have value for the love of god.. sometimes toys for SP win out to much and basic skills sets for key positions are thrown out the window.

Mark is not all that thrilled with this turn of events i am sure.


Nick Becton interesting signing. I like the move. lets see if we are benefiting from other teams coaching and time invested. I think Harris might need to keep an eye over his shoulder? maybe. Still does not change my mind that RT is an area of need that is moving up the off season priority list

Bottom Line
Becton couldn’t earn a start in his first three years with the Hokies, as veteran depth and a 2010 turf toe injury kept him coming off the bench. The former top high school recruit did rotate into games regularly as a junior, however, showing has the requisite size, length and athleticism to be a valuable NFL reserve capable of filling in at either left or right tackle. His athletic skill set will likely see a team take a chance on him late.

Nick Becton Draft Profile

"We may have lost the game, but you'll be hurting tomorrow." Doug Atkins

WHODATINCA

Of course we are worried about Strief.

FinSaint

Hmmm... I don't get it Hagan.

Lorig was one of the very best lead blockers in the league while with the Bucs and his pass catching ability was one of the reasons why the Saints went after him.

Lorig has been sidelined for a while, so I'd give him more slack and time to prove his worth before judging him - I think he'll become a big part of the offense if the rest of the season goes the Saints' way.

BTW, Johnson has had his share of bad plays this season, but everybody always loves to root for the underdog... sometimes even blindly so.

"I'm not bashing people, I'm bashing their opinions because in my opinion their opinion is wrong" - Danno

saintsfan1976

So Strief's injury could be lingering or recurring. That stinks.

Ok so we bring in someone to back up Harris, is that what I'm reading?

saintsfan1976

Lorig is clearing the cobwebs. Basically zero training camp and limited action this season. He fumbled, OK. He caused Brees to fumble (freak play) OK.

I think all eyes are on him now, especially considering we lost a FB we all grew to appreciate in Johnson.

Let's see how he responds to a Niners defense who still knows how to get after a RB and QB

jeanpierre

Damn...

Been so busy with work, heard this a couple of days and dismissed it because of source...

Really like the guy, hope he recovers and comes back stronger...

hagan714

i will have to go back and look at the blocking bit again. i had him as serviceable blocker with upside in the passing game.

I was really liking the development of Austin Johnson