The New Orleans Saints are calling in some reinforcements ahead of Sunday’s matchup with the New York Jets at the Caesars Superdome. With a few key injuries shaking up the depth chart, the team has elevated two players from the practice squad: offensive lineman Easton Kilty and rookie tight end Moliki Matavao.
Let’s start with Matavao. The seventh-round pick from this year’s draft made a brief appearance earlier in the season, suiting up for three games before the Saints got veterans Foster Moreau and Taysom Hill back from the PUP list.
While he’s still looking for his first NFL reception, Matavao turned some heads during preseason with his athleticism and ability to get open in space. He’s not just a body - there’s some upside here.
His activation likely points to some concern around backup tight end Zaire Mitchell-Paden, who tweaked his knee in Friday’s practice and is officially listed as questionable. If Mitchell-Paden can’t go, Matavao becomes the next man up behind Hill and Moreau. That’s a big opportunity for the rookie to show he belongs in the rotation, especially in a Saints offense that likes to get creative with its tight ends.
On the offensive line, Easton Kilty is in line to make his Saints debut. He’s been grinding on the practice squad all season, but now he gets the call with starting right guard Cesar Ruiz sidelined due to an ankle injury.
Kilty brings some versatility - he’s seen reps at both guard spots - but the Saints primarily worked him at right guard during the preseason. Expect him to provide depth behind Will Sherman, who’s stepping into the starting role this week.
With the Saints still in the thick of the playoff race, depth matters more than ever. These aren’t just procedural elevations - they could play a real role in how Sunday’s game unfolds. Whether it’s Matavao getting his first NFL target or Kilty helping keep the pocket clean, both players will have a chance to contribute when it counts.