Saints part ways with once promising 2025 draft pick after suffering the same injury twice
The New Orleans Saints only got to see running back Devin Neal in one preseason game last month when he rushed for seven yards on two attempts against the Los Angeles Rams. He was placed on I.R. during cutdown day for yet another hamstring injury.
The New Orleans Saints have waived defensive end Michael Heldman and running back Devin Neal. Both players were placed on the Reserve/Injured list earlier this week along with seven other players including defensive tackle Bryan Bresee, and guard Dillon Radunz.
Neither Neal nor Heldman were designated as candidates to return from I.R. They each received injury settlements from the club Thursday afternoon.
Both players could return to the Saints if they clear waivers.
Hamstring injuries prove too much for Saints’ 2025 draft pick
New Orleans drafted Neal in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft out of Kansas. He rushed for over 1,000 yards in three consecutive years for the Jayhawks and found the end zone 16 times on the ground in each of his last two seasons. He’s the program’s all-time leader in rushing yards (4,343) and rushing touchdowns (49) while only being fourth in attempts (760).
Neal made the Saints’ roster as a rookie and he saw the field immediately. He played in 10 games, taking offensive snaps in nine of them, and logged 57 carries for 206 yards and two touchdowns. New Orleans started him for three straight games from Week 13-15, which is when he scored both of his TDs. He suffered a hamstring injury during Week 15 and missed the remainder of the year.
The Saints only got to see Neal in one preseason game last month when he rushed for seven yards on two attempts against the Los Angeles Rams. He was placed on I.R. during cutdown day for yet another hamstring injury.
UDFA sees his rookie season end abruptly
As for Helman, a rookie undrafted free agent, he played in all three exhibitions and shined in his debut with two sacks against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He suffered an apparent foot in the preseason finale against the Dallas Cowboys, and it was enough to end his season.
The Saints could still re-sign either player, but not before the agreed length of the injury settlement, plus three weeks.
