There’s officially a major curiosity on the Saints’ unofficial depth chart.
As noted by Larry Holder of the New Orleans Times-Picayune, the update to the non-binding configuration of Saints players has Fleener no longer listed as the starting tight end. The online version has Fleener at the top of the dreaded “other” designation, behind first-stringer Josh Hill, second-stringer Michael Hoomanawanui, and third-stringer RaShaun Allen.
Holder adds that there has been no specific evidence to suggest a basis for the demotion, and Holder wonders whether Fleener will suddenly be re-inserted as the starter later in the week.
Fleener, a second-round pick of the Colts in 2012, signed a five-year, $36 million contract with an $8 million signing bonus as a free agent in March, so he’s clearly not a guy who should be fighting for a roster spot. During offseason workouts, quarterback Drew Brees praised Fleener for being “always open.” Earlier this month, however, Fleener discussed the challenging of adjusting to his new team’s offense.
Unless it was a clerical error or the product of someone simply messing around to see if we’re paying attention, the placement of Fleener as fourth-string at best is a bizarre move, the reason for which is yet to be known.
UPDATE 7:09 p.m. ET: And now Fleener has been re-installed as the No. 1 tight end.
