The New Orleans Saints have officially opened 21-day practice windows for linebacker Nephi Sewell and offensive lineman Shane Lemieux, while also confirming the signing of running back Jacob Kibodi to the practice squad.
**Nephi Sewell**, signed by the Saints as an undrafted free agent in 2022, has proven to be a reliable special teams contributor. Out of his 326 career snaps, 264 have come on special teams. Over his 20 games, the 25-year-old has recorded 11 tackles (8 solo), 8 stops, and a forced fumble. After suffering an ACL tear against the Buccaneers in Week 17 of the 2023 season, Sewell—an older brother of Lions All-Pro tackle Penei Sewell—has been working to return from the Reserve/PUP list following a lengthy recovery offseason.
**Shane Lemieux**, a versatile veteran offensive lineman, was sidelined with an ankle injury after filling in for center Erik McCoy in Week 4 against the Falcons. Initially considered a minor issue, the injury later required placing Lemieux on injured reserve. Originally drafted in the fifth round by the New York Giants in 2020, Lemieux played left guard across 12 games with the Giants and all 3,535 snaps at the position while at Oregon. However, with the Saints, the 6’4″, 310-pound lineman has exclusively taken snaps at center.
Lemieux’s potential return is a promising sign for New Orleans, given the continuous challenges the Saints’ offensive line has faced throughout the season.
