The New Orleans Saints have released former Pittsburgh Steelers edge rusher Eku Leota, the team announced. Leota played in three games for the Saints this season. The Steelers let go of Leota during final cut downs in August despite having a standout preseason for the team.

Here are your Five Things to Know about the New Orleans Saints for Thursday, November 27:

New Orleans Saints place kicker Blake Grupe (19) starts the "Who Dat Chant" before the team hosts the Denver Broncos in a preseason game at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025. (Staff photo by David Grunfeld, The Times-Picayune)

Neal, a sixth-round pick (No. 184 overall) this year, soaked up his most extensive playing time last Sunday against Atlanta, after Alvin Kamara exited the game with a knee injury in the first quarter. Neal totaled with seven carries for 18 yards and five catches for 43, setting season highs in carries, catches and receiving yards in the 24-10 loss.

The connection between Atlanta and New Orleans runs deep in pro sports. The Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints are NFC South rivals, and though the Hawks and Pelicans don't technically share a rivalry in the NBA, some of that same energy carries over when the two teams meet on the court.

The Atlanta Falcons head to New Orleans to take on the Saints as underdogs. ESPN's panel of writers is split on the outcome.