Michael

Ola

It’s a depth move with LT Terron Armstead (ankle) questionable for Week 14. The Saints placed TE Jason Vander Laan on IR in a corresponding move.

The journeyman made seven Saints appearances after signing last October. He suffered a high-ankle sprain in December. Going on 31, Ola is probably currently on the outside looking in of a 53-man roster spot.

The swing reserve had played just 32 snaps this season. Derek Newton is taking his roster spot.

Ola started the final seven games at right tackle for the Lions last season and received positive grades from Pro Football Focus for both his pass protection and run blocking. He could be cut by the Bills next week when OT Seantrel Henderson’s suspension is done. Ola can play either tackle spot.

An undrafted rookie out of small-school Hampton, Ola was forced into 12 starts as a rookie. He struggled mightily. That experience should get Ola a look on someone else’s practice squad, but he’s already 27.

Ola was replaced by LaAdrian Waddle, whom he replaced earlier this season. Ola will likely be headed to injured reserve if it’s anything more than a day-to-day issue.

Ola was active only twice for the Bolts, but made 12 starts for the Bears in 2014. He’ll provide depth for the Lions’ shaky offensive line.

Only 6-foot-2 1/2 and 302 pounds, Ola won the Bears’ starting left guard job after Week 1 and has graded out positively as both a pass and run blocker according to Pro Football Focus’ metrics. The Bears will turn back to Matt Slauson at left guard, with Brian De La Puente at center, Kyle Long at right guard, and Jordan Mills at right tackle.

Bushrod has missed the past two games with an undisclosed knee issue. Fill-in Michael Ola has generally struggled in Bushrod’s absence, and would be in for a long day against the Dolphins’ stout front seven on Sunday. Bushrod should be considered day to day.