The New Orleans Saints have released veteran running back Terrance West, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
The Saints just signed West in June for added reinforcements in the backfield following the suspension of Mark Ingram for the first four games of the season.
West, 27, had spent the past two-plus seasons with the Baltimore Ravens. He played 27 games (17 starts) for the Ravens, rushing for 1,092 yards with seven touchdowns. But he appeared in just five games last season in part due to a calf injury and finished with 138 yards and two touchdowns.
New Orleans had hoped West would ease the pressure off of Alvin Kamara during Ingram's absence. West had 36 yards on seven carries in the Saints’ two preseason games. But it appears they weren’t sufficiently impressed with what they’ve seen from him to keep him around.
It remains to be seen if the Saints once again dip into the free agent market to replace West. But even with West’s release, they still have options at running back behind Kamara. They have Shane Vereen, whom they signed in July, Trey Edmunds, Daniel Lasco, Boston Scott, and Jonathan Williams.
Williams has impressed thus far in preseason and could stand to play a bigger role on the Saints offense following West’s departure. He’s picked up 63 yards on just 12 carries with a touchdown in two preseason games.