Saints Nation: Kyle Eckel released

After recent signee Chris McAlister being released yesterday, it was fullback Kyle Eckel being cut shortly thereafter. Eckel had been previously signed to cushion the blow of the Saints placing starting fullback Heath Evans on injured reserve (story HERE). That leaves the Saints with no pure fullback on the roster, as tight end David Thomas has been seeing the bulk of the snaps at the position. Thomas has done a reasonably good job, so it's safe to assume at this point that Thomas will be the starting fullback in offensive sets where one is needed. With the release of Eckel the Saints now have 51 players counting against their active roster, which means they have 2 spots open to sign players. They are apparently bringing in several linebackers to work out this week.