The New Orleans Saints have signed running back Velus Jones Jr. to the active roster from the practice squad, signed running back Audric Estimé to the practice squad and placed center Erik McCoy and running back Kendre Miller on Injured Reserve, it was announced by Executive Vice President/General Manager Mickey Loomis.

Jones, 6-0, 200, was originally a third round draft pick (71st overall) by the Chicago Bears in 2022 out of Tennessee, who in 34 games with two starts for the Bears (2022-24), Carolina Panthers (2024) and Saints (2025), has carried 20 times for 165 yards (8.3 avg.) with a 42-yard touchdown and added 12 receptions for 135 yards (11.3 avg.) with one scoring grab. On special teams, the Saraland, Ala. native has returned 48 kickoffs for 1,244 yards (25.9 avg.), brought back five punts for 35 yards (7.0 avg.) and added eight coverage stops. In 2025, he has played in five games for the Saints and returned seven kickoffs for 174 yards (24.9 avg.) and made three special teams tackles.

Estimé, 5-11, 227, was originally a fifth round selection (147th overall) in the 2024 NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos out of Notre Dame. As a rookie, Estimé played in 13 games with one start and carried 76 times for 310 yards, while making five receptions for 27 yards. He spent the first six weeks of the 2025 season on the Philadelphia Eagles practice squad. The Nyack, N.Y. native appeared in 37 games (14 starts) over three seasons at Notre Dame. He was named an AP second-team All-American in 2023 after starting all 12 games and leading the Irish with 210 carries for 1,341 yards and 18 touchdowns, a single-season school record, adding 17 receptions for 142 yards. Estime, who produced six 100-plus yard rushing games on the season, ranked eighth in rushing yards among all FBS players