Saints' CJ Donaldson: Sees extra work in garbage time
Rotowire
Donaldson logged three carries for 18 yards and caught both of his targets for five yards during the Saints' 45-24 loss to the Falcons on Monday. He also added a tackle on special teams.
All of Donaldson's offensive production came on the Saints' final drive of the contest, when the game was already well out of reach. His 28 offensive snaps ended up being tied with Alvin Kamara for most among Saints running backs, with Kendre Miller (19) not far behind. Donaldson was more efficient with his touches than both Kamara and Miller, but for as much as the Saints' run game struggled in the absence of Travis Etienne (hamstring), it's hard to envision Donaldson as the lead back in New Orleans for the foreseeable future. That said, if Donaldson is trusted by head coach Kellen Moore as a backfield blocker on pass protection, then he could operate in an elevated role in Week 5 against the Vikings and their blitz-happy defense under defensive coordinator Brian Flores.
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Saints' CJ Donaldson: Signed to New Orleans' active roster
Rotowire
The Saints signed Donaldson from the practice squad to the active roster Friday.
Donaldson will join a Saints backfield that is led by Travis Etienne, with Alvin Kamara and Kendre Miller providing depth at the position. Kamara didn't play in the Saints' Week 1 overtime loss to the Lions, with Donaldson being elevated from the practice squad and logging two carries for four yards and one catch for minus-2 yards. Kamara is available for Sunday's game against the Ravens, so Donaldson figures to see most of his playing time on special teams rather than on offense.
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CJ Donaldson: Reverts to practice squad
Rotowire
Donaldson reverted to the Saints' practice squad Monday, per the NFL's official transaction log.
The running back was elevated for New Orleans' 31-30 overtime loss to Detroit due to both Alvin Kamara (knee) and Audric Estime (thigh) being out. Donaldson played a third-string role behind Travis Etienne and Kendre Miller, seeing 15 offensive snaps and recording two carries for four yards and one catch for minus-2 yards. The Ohio State product also played 20 snaps on special teams.
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Saints' CJ Donaldson: Elevated for Sunday
Rotowire
The Saints have elevated Donaldson from the practice squad to the active roster ahead of Sunday's game against the Lions, Ross Jackson of WWL Louisiana reports.
Donaldson signed with the Saints' practice squad Sept. 2 after being a casualty of the team's Aug. 30 cuts. The running back will fill in for Audric Estime (thigh) as a reserve option behind Travis Etienne, Alvin Kamara (knee), and Kendre Miller while Estime recovers from his thigh issue on IR.
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CJ Donaldson: Signs onto Saints' practice squad
Rotowire
New Orleans signed Donaldson to its practice squad Monday.
Donaldson cleared waivers after getting cut by the Saints on Sunday, and now he's back with the club as a practice squadder. The undrafted rookie will have to wait to be elevated to potentially make his regular-season debut in 2026.
