Saints bring back familiar face after recent injuries to key position on their 2024 roster

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Adam Holt | Last updated Aug 23, 2024 6:00 PM ET

The New Orleans Saints are reaching back into their bag of connections. Mickey Loomis and the front office made a handful of moves on Friday morning, including bringing back a familiar face on defense.

The Saints signed linebacker Andrew Dowell and defensive lineman Camron Peterson. With those moves, they waived cornerback Kaleb Ford-Dement and waived/injured defensive lineman Trajan Jeffcoat.

Saints re-sign linebacker Andrew Dowell

Sound familiar? That's because he is. Dowell was a preseason star a couple of years ago for New Orleans. He is also a known special teams contributor. They know who they are getting.

It should be a surprise to no one who followed the Saints this offseason that Andrew Dowell is having an impact. That’s two blocked punts in as many weeks. Special teams has been an absolute weapon for them so far this year. pic.twitter.com/6qdXQiNOY5
— Jeff Nowak (@Jeff_Nowak) September 26, 2021

The addition of Dowell comes with Jaylan Ford still on the shelf at LB for New Orleans. Ford is a rookie. Demario Davis and Pete Werner have both dealt with minor injuries this offseason, too. It's a smart depth move.

Dowell, 6-0, 238, is a three-year NFL veteran who was originally signed by the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent out of Michigan State in 2019. In his career, he hasappeared in 34 games for the Saints and recorded 21 special teams tackles, two coverage fumbles and one defensive stop. Missing the 2023 season with a season-ending knee injury suffered in the preseason, Dowell played in all 17 games in 2022 and had seven coverage tackles and two special teams forced fumbles.

-- New Orleans Saints

Dowell seemed to be an annual preseason star during his earlier tenure in black and gold. He made consistent plays and played with great energy. Dowell never took the opportunities for granted, and the Saints noticed that trait.

He missed all of the 2023 season, but the linebacker recently posted on social media about his full return and recovery. Dowell looks healthy and is excited to get back on the field.

— It was tough missing the entire season last year after getting injured in training camp and not being able to play the game I love. The journey back has been long, but all healthy now, moving well, and ready to get back on the field! ✍ pic.twitter.com/mooHl68oxk
— Andrew Dowell (@a1dowell) July 18, 2024