The New Orleans Saints added three intriguing players while receiving mixed injury news during their first closed practice of the regular season.
New Orleans claimed Louisiana native cornerback Decamerion Richardson off waivers and officially signed wide receiver Cedric Tillman and tight end Stone Smartt to the practice squad. The Saints also placed defensive back Lorenzo Styles Jr. on Injured Reserve.
On the practice field, cornerback Quincy Riley, right guard Cesar Ruiz, linebacker Chris Rumph and defensive tackle John Ridgeway returned after missing time. However, running back Kendre Miller left the session early with a trainer.
Saints Claim Decamerion Richardson
The Saints moved quickly after the Las Vegas Raiders waived Richardson, claiming the 25-year-old cornerback and adding him directly to the 53-man roster.
Richardson is a Louisiana native who was born in Cullen and raised in Bossier City. The Raiders originally selected him in the fourth round with the 112th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
At 6-foot-2 and 192 pounds, Richardson brings excellent size and speed to the secondary. He ran a 4.34-second 40-yard dash before entering the NFL and started seven games as a rookie, recording 46 tackles and three passes defensed.
His defensive role declined the following season, but he remained heavily involved on special teams with 204 snaps. That experience could help Richardson earn an immediate role for New Orleans while continuing to develop behind Kool-Aid McKinstry, Quincy Riley and Martin Emerson Jr.
For Richardson, joining the Saints also represents an opportunity to continue his NFL career closer to home.
Cedric Tillman Adds Size at Wide Receiver
The Saints officially announced the signing of Cedric Tillman to the practice squad.
Tillman was selected by the Cleveland Browns in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft after a productive college career at Tennessee. The 6-foot-3, 215-pound receiver appeared in 38 games with 19 starts during three seasons in Cleveland.
He recorded 71 receptions for 833 yards and five touchdowns with the Browns. During the 2025 season, Tillman caught 21 passes for 270 yards and two touchdowns across 13 games.
Tillman gives the Saints another big-bodied receiver who can provide depth on the outside and potentially become a game-day elevation option.
Stone Smartt Joins the Practice Squad
New Orleans also signed veteran tight end Stone Smartt.
The 6-foot-4, 226-pound Smartt entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2022. After playing quarterback and wide receiver earlier in his career, he successfully transitioned to tight end.
Smartt has appeared in 53 NFL games with seven starts, producing 38 receptions for 432 yards and one touchdown. He played 15 games for the New York Jets in 2025, catching seven passes for 52 yards while contributing three coverage tackles on special teams.
His versatility and special-teams experience give the Saints another developmental option behind their active tight ends.
Kendre Miller Leaves Practice Early
The biggest concern from practice involved Kendre Miller.
Miller left the field early with a trainer, but the nature and severity of the issue remain unclear. The running back previously missed time during training camp because of a back injury, making his status something to monitor closely.
The Saints are already without Alvin Kamara, who continues to recover from a knee injury. Audric Estime also remained absent, adding more uncertainty to the running-back room.
Other players who did not participate included Cam Jordan, Oscar Delp and practice-squad receiver Trey Palmer.
Four Saints Return to Practice
The good news was the return of four players who had recently missed time:
- CB Quincy Riley
- RG Cesar Ruiz
- LB Chris Rumph
- DT John Ridgeway
Riley’s return is especially important following the decision to place Lorenzo Styles Jr. on IR. Ruiz returning to the offensive line also gives New Orleans a potential boost as the regular season approaches.
Saints Announce New Jersey Numbers
Several recently added Saints also received new numbers:
- QB Zach Wilson: No. 11
- DE Anfernee Jennings: No. 33
- K Daniel Carlson: No. 10
- WR Trey Palmer: No. 16
What These Moves Mean for New Orleans
Richardson offers immediate depth, speed and special-teams experience on the active roster. Tillman supplies much-needed size at wide receiver, while Smartt provides versatility at tight end.
The Saints strengthened three positions, but the uncertainty surrounding Miller and the continued absences of Kamara, Jordan, Delp and Estime remain significant concerns.
New Orleans added talent Tuesday. The next question is how quickly these players can learn the system and whether Miller’s early departure becomes another serious injury issue.
Watch Big Q’s complete Saints breakdown here: https://www.youtube.com/live/Atrywj5ICew?si=Cg63w80uKsg-clt8
What do you think, Who Dat Nation? Which new addition—Richardson, Tillman or Smartt—has the best chance to help the Saints this season?
