Saints open 21-day practice window for two players

The New Orleans Saints announced they have opened the 21-day practice windows for LB Nephi Sewell and OL Shane Lemieux, while also making the signing of RB Jacob Kibodi to the practice squad official.

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Nephi Sewell signed with the Saints as an UDFA in 2022 and has been a reliable special teamer since, logging 264 of his 326 career snaps in that role. The 25-year-old has recorded 11 total tackles (8 solo), 8 stops, and a forced fumble in the 20 games he’s appeared in.

After tearing his ACL against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 17 of the 2023 season, the former Utah Utes linebacker and older brother of Detroit Lions All-Pro tackle Penei Sewell is finally eyeing a return from the Reserve/PUP list following a long offseason of recovery.

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Just days after stepping in for star center Erik McCoy during Week 4’s matchup with the Atlanta Falcons, veteran offensive lineman Shane Lemieux was placed on injured reserve with a tweaked ankle. It was a strange situation, as Saints head coach Dennis Allen initially stated that Lemieux wasn’t dealing with anything serious, though it’s worth noting that he had also missed time in training camp with an ankle issue.

Originally selected 150th overall in the fifth round of the 2020 NFL Draft by the New York Giants, Lemieux has faced some unfortunate injury luck throughout his career. He started 12 of the 18 games he played for the G-Men, all of which were at left guard. Additionally, all 3,535 of his collegiate snaps for the Oregon Ducks were at left guard. However, all 90 of the 6’4”—310-pound lineman’s snaps have been at center while in New Orleans.

The 27-year-old’s versatility provides a sense of insurance for the offensive line, so his return is a positive sign given the number of unexpected hits the Saints have taken all season long.