The New Orleans Saints had one of their players make an unexpected return to the team this weekend. Carl Granderson is elated to be out of prison and back in New Orleans with the team.

“I’m thankful for my opportunity,” Granderson said, via NOLA.com. “I’m just thankful for a second chance to get back out there and work as hard as I can to be on the team.”

In July, Granderson was sentenced to six months in prison on sexual battery charges in an incident that occurred after the 2018 collegiate season. Prior to his sentencing, Granderson signed with the Saints as an undrafted rookie out of Wyoming. During his time in jail, Granderson was placed on the Commissioner's Exempt List as the league gathered information.

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On Saturday, the rookie defensive end's sentence was reprieved by another judge and he was released from prison. As a result, he was able to return to New Orleans to rejoin the team this week. However, the defensive end isn't guaranteed to make the roster.

After being activated to the team, Granderson doesn't count against the Saints' 53-man roster. Instead, they will have two weeks to decide on whether or not he remains with them in 2019. The Wyoming product will need to impress the coaching staff in practice to earn a role in New Orleans' defense.

The Saints have a fairly deep defensive line so it may be tough for Granderson to secure a roster spot from somebody who already made it onto the current roster. Considering that he was expecting to be in jail until next year, Granderson is grateful with the opportunity he's been given.