Brock Rechsteiner’s chances of making the New Orleans Saints’ 53-man roster appear to have taken a major hit, and the undrafted rookie wide receiver could now be facing an uphill battle to remain with the team.
Rechsteiner joined the Saints after impressing during the team’s rookie minicamp. The Jacksonville State product entered the offseason as an intriguing developmental prospect, bringing NFL size and playmaking potential to a wide receiver room that needed competition. New Orleans officially added him following his minicamp tryout.
However, his situation changed dramatically when the NFL announced a six-game suspension for Rechsteiner. The league’s suspension stems from a violation of the NFL-NFLPA performance-enhancing substances policy. Importantly, Rechsteiner is still allowed to participate in training camp and preseason games, but the suspension begins once the regular-season roster is finalized.
That creates a difficult roster-management situation for New Orleans.
The Saints have only a limited number of spots available on their 53-man roster. Keeping a player who cannot contribute during the first six games could be difficult, particularly if another receiver demonstrates enough value during preseason to earn a roster spot.
Rechsteiner has some intriguing credentials. He finished his Jacksonville State career with 53 receptions for 629 yards and seven touchdowns, including 35 catches for 383 yards and five touchdowns during his final season.
Still, statistics alone may not be enough to overcome the suspension.
The 23-year-old rookie was already competing for a roster spot as an undrafted player. Now, the Saints have to determine whether his potential is strong enough to justify carrying him despite his six-game absence.
One possible solution could be the practice squad. If Rechsteiner is released during roster cuts, New Orleans could attempt to bring him back on the practice squad, allowing the organization to retain his rights and continue developing him while he serves his suspension. Reports have specifically identified the practice squad as a potential landing spot if he fails to make the 53-man roster.
That may ultimately be the most realistic outcome.
Rechsteiner’s NFL journey was already an underdog story after he went undrafted and earned his opportunity through a tryout. His famous family background has also attracted considerable attention, as he is the son of WWE Hall of Famer Scott Steiner. But his football career will ultimately depend on what he can show the Saints on the field.
For now, the suspension makes his path to the opening-day roster considerably more difficult.
**Rechsteiner still has preseason games to change the conversation, but unless he makes a strong impression quickly, being cut from the Saints’ initial 53-man roster is becoming a very real possibility.**
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