Saints Release Running Back Devin Neal After Injury Setbacks

The New Orleans Saints have waived running back Devin Neal and defensive end Michael Heldman after both players faced injury challenges. Neal, a sixth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft from Kansas, was placed on injured reserve due to a hamstring injury after appearing in only one preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams, where he rushed for seven yards on two attempts.

Neal had previously shown promise during his rookie season, playing in 10 games and recording 206 yards and two touchdowns. However, he suffered a hamstring injury in Week 15 of the last season, which sidelined him for the remainder of the year. Heldman, an undrafted rookie, also faced injury issues, suffering a foot injury in the preseason finale against the Dallas Cowboys after a strong performance that included two sacks against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Both players received injury settlements from the Saints, and while they could potentially return to the team, they must first clear waivers and wait for the duration of their injury settlements, plus an additional three weeks.