Saints to sign running back Zach Zenner

According to multiple sources and first reported by Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, the New Orleans Saints have signed running back Zach Zenner Wednesday afternoon. The signing came after the team had reportedly worked out former Saint back Travaris Cadet. To make room for Zenner, the Saints released linebacker Stephone Anthony. Zenner's signing is to give the team depth at the position, with the status of Alvin Kamara perhaps in doubt with knee and ankle injuries.

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The 28-yr. old Zenner had played all four of his NFL seasons with the Detroit Lions after entering the league undrafted from South Dakota State in 2015. He has appeared in 36 career games, starting 6, with 174 rushing attempts for 685 yards and 8 touchdowns. His most productive rushing season came in 2016, when rushing for 334 yards and 4 scores. Zenner, who is 5'11 224-lbs., also has 27 career receptions for 263 yards.

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In the event that Kamara is unable to play on Sunday against the Chicago Bears, veteran Latavius Murray will move into the starting role, with Dwayne Washington likely to be the number two back. The 29-yr. old Murray has 32 rushes for 138 yards and a touchdown so far this year, while adding 9 catches for 67 yards. He played well in the second half against the Jacksonville Jaguars with Kamara slowed, and looks to be a big key against the rugged Bears defense this weekend.