The Saints plan to use Harper in a part-time role in which he will be deployed closer to the line of scrimmage as a blitzer and open-field tackler, ESPN.com reports.
Although he racked up 73 tackles as a starter last year in Carolina, Harper's reduced role comes as no surprise, as he was largely signed to provide veteran depth behind oft-injured safety Jairus Byrd. Even if Harper makes the Saints' final roster -- no guarantee given the team's depth at the position -- he likely will have only minimal fantasy value.
Harper was signed by the Saints on Tuesday, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports.
Harper, who was drafted by the Saints and spent eight seasons in New Orleans, returns to provide veteran depth behind free safety Jairus Byrd. In 16 games with the Panthers last season, Harper racked up 73 tackles, five passes defensed, and two fumble recoveries.
Harper wasn't listed on the Panthers' injury report Wednesday, Jonathan Jones of the Chrlotte Observer reports.
Harper missed the entire second half of the NFC championship game due to a swollen eye. However, his lack of presence on the first Super Bowl injury report confirms that he'll be able to handle his normal duties at strong safety against the Broncos.
Harper (eye) expects to be ready for the Super Bowl, ESPN's David Newton reports.
Harper was unable to play in the second half of Sunday's win over the Cardinals, likely because a swollen eye had a major impact on his vision. It's an issue that should clear up before the Super Bowl, but if not, Tre Boston will start alongside Kurt Coleman against the Broncos.
Harper left Sunday's game against the Cardinals due to an eye injury and will not return to the contest, NFL Network's Tiffany Blackmon reports.
With Harper ruled out for the rest of the evening, Tre Boston and/or Colin Jones will fill in alongside Kurt Coleman at safety.
Panthers defensive backs Tre Boston and Roman Harper each scored defensive touchdowns in Sunday's win over Atlanta in Week 17.
Harper took a Matt Ryan interception 31 yards for a touchdown in the second quarter. He finished the game with six total tackles. Boston scored on an 84-yard interception return in the fourth quarter to help clinch the NFC South division in a 34-3 win. He finished with two total tackles.
The Panthers will advance to the first round of the playoffs next week against Arizona.
The Panthers have flashed the green light for three players that had been designated as probable for their Week 16 game against Cleveland, including quarterback Cam Newton (back). Also ready to roll are linebacker Thomas Davis (knee) and safety Roman Harper (thigh).
The Panthers have listed seven players on its final injury report for Week 16 against Cleveland, four of which were deemed questionable. Those four include linebacker A.J. Klein (ankle), guard Amini Silatolu (knee), running back DeAngelo Williams (hand) and cornerback Carrington Byndom (hamstring).
Meanwhile, safety Roman Harper (thigh), quarterback Cam Newton (back) and linebacker Thomas Davis (knee) were listed as probable.
The Panthers unveiled a lengthy injury report for Sunday's game against Atlanta. Out of the 13 players listed on the report, Star Lotulelei (ankle) was the only player ruled out for Week 11. Bene Benwikere (ankle), Brandon Williams (foot) and Charles Johnson (rest) were labeled questionable.
The following players were deemed probable: Nate Chandler (toe), Jerricho Cotchery (hamstring), Roman Harper (rest), Kawann Short (ankle), Jonathan Stewart (ankle), Trai Turner (ankle), Melvin White (knee) and DeAngelo Williams (foot).
The Panthers will have their probables Week 8 against the Seahawks.
Byron Bell, Nate Chandler, Thomas Davis and Roman Harper are all active for the contest. Davis and Harper were on the injury report, but were listed as "not injury related." Bell has an elbow issue. Chandler is dealing with a thigh injury.
The Panthers listed a lengthy injury report on Friday, which included five players on the report due to non-injury related reasons leading up to Sunday's Week 7 clash at Green Bay. Those players were defensive tackle Colin Cole, linebacker Thomas Davis, defensive tackle Dwan Edwards, safety Roman Harper and defensive end Charles Johnson. They were all deemed probable for the game.
Meanwhile, running back DeAngelo Williams (ankle), running back Fozzy Whittaker (thigh), guard Amini Silatolu (calf), linebacker Chase Blackburn (knee) and cornerback Bene' Benwikere (ankle) all did not practice Friday and were ruled doubtful for Sunday.
Wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin (concussion) and running back Darrin Reaves (calf) were the only two players deemed questionable. Running back Jonathan Stewart (knee), tight end Greg Olsen (ankle) and cornerback Josh Norman (concussion) were all ruled probable for Sunday's game.
Only two Panthers have been deemed any lower than questionable for the Sunday game in Baltimore. They are running back Fozzy Whittaker (thigh) and tackle Garry Williams (back).
Linebacker Thomas Davis (hip) and running back Jonathan Stewart (knee) are questionable while wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery (thigh), cornerback Charles Godfrey (ankle), safety Roman Harper (knee) and running back DeAngelo Williams (thigh) are probable.
Panthers safety Roman Harper came down with an interception Week 1 against Tampa Bay on Sunday. Harper picked off Josh McCown late in the third quarter, which led to a touchdown. He finished with just two total tackles (one solo) and one pass defended in a 20-14 victory.
According to the team's official website, the following players are not expected to dressfor the Panthers Friday night against New England: Offensive tackle Nate Chandler (knee) and guard Trai Turner (groin), defensive end Charles Johnson (hamstring), linebacker Chase Blackburn (back), Darrin Reaves (leg) and safeties Roman Harper (toe) and Tre Boston (groin).
Running back Darrin Reaves, linebacker Chase Blackburn, safety Roman Harper, safety Tre Boston and tight end Mike McNeill are among the Panthers not playing Sunday against the Chiefs in exhibition action.
Panthers coach Ron Rivera said safety Roman Harper has turf toe. Rivera added the team will continue to monitor his status.
Panthers safety Roman Harper will have to wait another week before making his debut with his new team. He was ruled out for Friday's preseason opener against the Bills because of a toe injury, head coach Ron Rivera told reporters, per NFL Network.
Harper, a long-time Saint, signed with the Panthers in the offseason. The two-time Pro Bowler will look to make his debut on Aug. 17 against the Chiefs.
Free-agent safety Roman Harper is staying in the NFC South, as the long-time Saint has agreed to a two-year deal with the Panthers, according to ESPN.com Saturday. The deal with pay Harper $4.5 million over two years, with a $1.5 million signing bonus.
Harper is a two-time Pro Bowler who fell on hard times a year ago, appearing in just nine games. He finished the 2013 season with just 39 tackles, his lowest total since he was a rookie in 2006.
The Saints parted ways with a trio of veterans Wednesday, announcing the release of defensive backs Jabari Greer and Roman Harper, as well as linebacker Will Smith. The team also announced they would not be re-signing linebacker Jonathan Vilma.
Though the Saints have yet to officially announce a transaction, safety Roman Harper posted on Twitter his thanks to the city of New Orleans for its support.
"To the city of New Orleans and its fans .... THANK YOU for the 8 years of #GreatMemories #WHODAT #SBXLIVCHAMPS," Harper wrote.
Harper struggled to find regular playing time in the wake of the team drafting Kenny Vaccaro last spring. He was scheduled to earn $5.9 million next season.