Training Camp Practice #6 (August 1st): Saints "Break In" Brandon Tate Right Away

The New Orleans Saints conducted the 6th practice of their 2018 Training Camp earlier; where WR Brandon Tate was present for the 1st time

The New Orleans Saints held the 6th Practice of their 2018 Training Camp indoors today, and wasted very little time with breaking in newly-signed wide receiver / kick returner and 10th year NFL veteran Brandon Tate.

As noted by ESPN beat writer Mike Triplett: Tate had a terrific catch deep down the field from back-up QB JT Barrett on one play, and he was also returning kicks — which could be his greatest value.

New Saints receivers Michael Floyd, Brandon Tate both participated in Wednesday’s practice. Tate had a terrific catch deep down the field from Taysom Hill. Tate was also returning kicks, which could be his greatest value.

— Mike Triplett (@MikeTriplett) August 1, 2018

Correction: Brandon Tate's deep catch came from QB J.T. Barrett. ... Taysom Hill completed a similar deep pass down the sideline to WR Keith Kirkwood. Highlight plays for everyone! https://t.co/d5eDppscwo

— Mike Triplett (@MikeTriplett) August 1, 2018

Tate — who will be playing in his 10th NFL season (if he makes the Final Roster) after originally being drafted by the New England Patriots in the 2009 NFL Draft out of the University of North Carolina —most recently played for the Bills in Buffalo, where he returned 20 punts for 193 yards and 28 kicks for 548 yards.

Here's some big plays from the #Saints indoor workout on Tuesday: J.T. Barrett connects deep with new signing Brandon Tate. @FOX8NOLA pic.twitter.com/71QoiR2SNI

— Garland Gillen (@garlandgillen) August 1, 2018

But Tate has developed a reputation over the years as a premier kick returner, totaling over 7,000 return yards in his time with the Patriots, Bengals and Bills; with his best seasons in that department coming in 2010 and 2011. 

But as a WR, he only managed to catch 6 passes for 81 yards; and he likely will be tried out in a similar role (solely as a kick returner) in New Orleans. 

Additionally, Triplett noted that the other wide receiver signed by the Saints yesterday, 7th year veteran Michael Floyd was a participant in practice; as was 3rd string TE Michael Hoomanawanui; who made his very first appearance at Training Camp practice since he was placed on the PUP list to begin Camp.

Michael Hoomanawanui got his first work of training camp. Sweet grab by Hooman, and Kikaha pulls down his shorts in the process. @FOX8NOLA pic.twitter.com/eDv1DPGDFe

— Garland Gillen (@garlandgillen) August 1, 2018

Among those players whom did not practice: starting TE Ben Watson (who was shaken up at the end of practice this Monday), rookie CB Kamrin Moore, and rookie / top draft pick DE Marcus Davenport; who left practice early on Monday with an unspecified ailment.

And y'all thought we wouldn't have any highlights today. We see you, AK.
🛴💨💨💨 pic.twitter.com/OA22Nnl7zw

— SaintsNOW (@SaintsNOW) August 1, 2018

The team also announced two more roster moves today, as both veteran WR Josh Smith and undrafted rookie WR Eldridge Massington were both waived with injury designations.

The Saints will resume practice tomorow (presumably outdoors), weather permitting......