Jordan Howard CHICAGO, IL – DECEMBER 18: Jordan Howard #24 of the Chicago Bears is hit by Ha Ha Clinton-Dix #21 of the Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field on December 18, 2016 in Chicago, Illinois. The Packers defeated the Bears 30-27. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
NFLBy Arthur Weinstein on

Former Pro Bowl running back Jordan Howard is getting another shot at the NFL.

The New Orleans Saints signed the 27-year-old running back to their practice squad Wednesday.

It’s the classic low-risk, high-upside move for the Saints, who are off to a 2-3 start. Starter Alvin Kamara missed four games last season and has already missed two this year. Backup Mark Ingram is 32, which is ancient in running back years.

“He’s a big physical back who, over his career, has been a 4-plus yards per carry runner,” Saints coach Dennis Allen said (via the New Orleans Advocate. “We feel like he’s bringing a physical element.”

Howard is a few years removed from that 2016 Pro Bowl appearance as a rookie with the Chicago Bears, when he had more than 1,600 total yards and seven touchdowns. He averaged more than 1,000 yards and nine touchdowns the next two seasons before Chicago traded him to the Philadelphia Eagles. Injuries slowed him there, and after signing a two-year deal with the Miami Dolphins in 2020, he struggled and was waived in mid-season.

The Eagles signed him to their practice squad for 2021, and he worked his way up to the roster. He had 86 carries for 406 yards, a healthy 4.7 yards per carry.

Those numbers show that Howard may be over the injuries that sapped him in Miami and Philadelphia. Now, he’s getting another shot.

The big 225-pound running back still has fans who remember what he could do.

[New Orleans Saints]

About Arthur Weinstein

Arthur spends his free time traveling around the U.S. to sporting events, state and national parks, and in search of great restaurants off the beaten path.

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