Tennessee Titans 27 New Orleans Saints 24: Roster Implications

Every NFL team has to be down to 53 players by the end of the day Saturday.  We have spent a lot of time over the last couple of weeks debating guys at the back end of the Titans roster.  Here are some things I took away from last night that might influence decisions this week:

• LeGarrette Blount has to be kept on the 53 man roster.  I know Samkon Gado has run the ball well, but he has zero upside.  There will be at least 10 guys out there Saturday that could come in and do the exact same thing.  Blount has the chance to be a really good back in this league, and a perfect compliment to Chris Johnson.  If they think they can get him on the practice squad they are foolish.
• All of the bubble safeties hurt themselves last night.  Nick Schommer and Robert Johnson both let punts get blocked.  Captain Special Teams Donnie Nickey had a holding penalty that nullified a big return by Marc Mariani.  Rolle bit on a play action fake that led to a TD.  Your guess is as good as mine to what they will do here, but I still think Johnson and Nickey are on the team.  Schommer probably is, and Rolle is cut.
• The Titans will be scouring the waiver wire for linebackers and back-up offensive lineman.  Troy Kropog probably still gets a spot because of his versatility and familiarity with the system, but he simply cannot play tackle.
• Two weeks ago I thought Rusty Smith was a lock.  Last week I thought we could cut him and no one would care.  Now I think he makes the team, but he would pass through waivers.  He will be one of the first ones gone if they need a spot in a pinch during the season.  He has a good arm, but he is a long way away from being a guy that can be counted on.