THE APEX TIMES
Saints make roster adjustments: Kevin Austin Jr., Jarquez Hunter to practice squad; Zach Wood to IR/Designated to Return
New Orleans has added a pair of familiar faces to its practice squad and moved long snapper Zach Wood to Injured Reserve/Designated to Return, according to the team’s transaction update.
The New Orleans Saints announced a set of roster moves on October 14, signing wide receiver Kevin Austin Jr. and running back Jarquez Hunter to the practice squad.
Austin (6-2, 200) was originally signed by the Jacksonville Jaguars as an undrafted free agent in 2022 out of Notre Dame. After time on the Jaguars practice squad in 2023, he spent the past three seasons in New Orleans on both the active roster and the practice squad, with 20 games played and three starts, catching 25 passes for 298 yards and one touchdown.
In 2026, Austin has appeared in four contests and has recorded one catch for a seven-yard gain, the team said in its transaction update.
Hunter (5-11, 211) was selected by the Los Angeles Rams in the fourth round (117th overall) of the 2025 NFL Draft out of Auburn. The Saints reported that Hunter played in five regular-season games and one postseason contest as a rookie for the Rams.
According to the Saints, Hunter was acquired by the Miami Dolphins from the Rams at the conclusion of 2026 training camp and spent the first five weeks of the season on the Dolphins practice squad.
The Saints also placed long snapper Zach Wood on Injured Reserve/Designated to Return after he returned to practice, per the team’s announcement.
Why It Matters
- Practice-squad additions like Austin and Hunter report New Orleans is seeking to deepen its reserve options while managing the active roster’s weekly needs.
- Placing a long snapper on IR/Designated to Return can affect the team’s specialist depth planning, since long-snapping roles are highly specific.
- Both Austin and Hunter bring prior NFL experience, which can shorten the learning curve for any potential elevations during the season.
- The moves underscore New Orleans’ active use of the practice squad to balance development and immediate depth as the season progresses.
Key Facts
- The Saints signed wide receiver Kevin Austin Jr. to the practice squad on October 14, 2026.
- The Saints signed running back Jarquez Hunter to the practice squad on October 14, 2026.
- New Orleans placed long snapper Zach Wood on Injured Reserve/Designated to Return after he returned to practice.
- Austin is a 6-2, 200-pound receiver who came to the NFL as an undrafted free agent from Notre Dame in 2022 and has spent the past three seasons with the Saints.
- Hunter is a 5-11, 211-pound running back drafted by the Rams in the fourth round (117th overall) in 2025 from Auburn.
- The transaction update notes Austin has appeared in four games in 2026 and has one reception for seven yards.