Unexpected situation keeps New Orleans Saints waiver claim from joining the team

The New Orleans Saints made a notable waiver wire addition earlier this week. It seemed like returner/running back Kent Nwangwu was headed to the Saints' active roster. It sounds like that won't be the case now.

Dennis Allen updated the status of Nwangwu joining the team on Thursday afternoon.

Saints waive Kene Nwangwu due to failed physical

Accordingly, this designation opens up a spot on the 53-man roster for the Saints.

We will see if they attempt to add another return threat to replace the role they expected Nwangwu to fill. Rashid Shaheed is expected to headline the return group for New Orleans, but they want to keep him healthy. He's already been dealing with an injury throughout the preseason.

Shaheed did return to practice , along with Marshon Lattimore, on Wednesday, though. Hopefully, they are both ready for Week 1.

Wide receiver Mason Tipton is expected to play a special teams role, too. They are excited about his potential and value. That's why he landed on the active roster over some veterans options.

All in all, expect New Orleans to make a swift move to replace Nwangwu on the roster in the coming days. They still could use another interior offensive line man on the depth chart.

The Saints face off with the Carolina Panthers in just over a week to begin their regular season slate.

Related: Meet the New Orleans Saints' initial 2024 53-man roster ahead of Week 1 against the Carolina Panthers