Asim

Richards

Kamara and Richards were ruled out on Friday. Reid seemingly had a chance to return from his knee injury, practicing in a limited capacity on Thursday and Friday. He will try again next week. Reid accounts for 45 tackles, two quarterback pressures, one sack, two pass breakups and one interception. Saints RB Devin Neal (abdomen) will start again in Kamara’s stead.

The Saints’ depleted offensive line is in rough shape. Fuaga has a long way to go in his development, having allowed 22 quarterback pressures and three sacks this season, but downgrading to his backup, OT Asim Richards, won’t be any better. They face the Panthers this weekend, who field a solid defensive tackle unit.

Another tackle trade goes down. Richards will likely fill a swing tackle role behind Kelvin Banks and Taliese Fuaga. Richards played 111 snaps for the Saints this preseason and had a 75.5 PFF pass block grade. He started a game for the Cowboys last year and appeared in 21 others in his two seasons with the team. This is the first noted exchange of 2028 draft picks.

They also sent Asim Richards (ankle) to IR. Both players are eligible to return for Week 18, but it seems unlikely that the Cowboys will be making a real playoff push. Carson’s first season was rough — he finishes the first 17 weeks with a 36.7 PFF coverage grade.

Richards (6’4.25/309) has a bit of an odd body type, as his upper body looks to be about twice as wide as his lower half. This has some benefits as he is an active mover and keeps his feet driving when engaged with a defender. He doesn’t have to work very hard to seal an edge or get to the second level. However, adjusting from his spot or forklifting defenders won’t be in his arsenal. He will need to build up lower body strength and flexibility to contribute long-term. But, an NFL weight room could turn him into a suitable swing tackle.