​The New Orleans Saints are making their first clear move regarding Mason Tipton’s uncertain start to the season, and it comes with a roster designation that gives both sides some breathing room. After missing the entire offseason while recovering from leg surgery, the young receiver is now expected to begin 2026 on the reserve/PUP list.That decision keeps Tipton in the Saints without forcing them to spend an active roster spot on a player who is not ready yet. It also gives the third-year wideout a defined path back, with his absence coming at a frustrating time after he had positioned himself for a much bigger role.Mason Tipton’s New Orleans Saints Return Gets Pushed BackSep 29, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Mason Tipton (84) on the field against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn ImagesTipton began training camp on the active/PUP list, making him eligible for the reserve/PUP designation once the Saints finalize their 53-man roster. Under the rules, he must spend at least four games on the list before he can return, meaning the earliest possible comeback would come after the opening stretch of the regular season.One obvious move as Saints trim roster down to 53 players this weekend: WR Mason Tipton is expected to begin the year on the reserve/PUP list. He’s eligible since he began training camp on the active/PUP listNobody else eligible for PUP. All others would require IR designations— Mike Triplett (@MikeTriplett) August 29, 2026 What is especially striking about this development is the fact that Tipton seemed ready for an even greater offensive involvement. However, after the release of Brandin Cooks, the head coach of the Saints, Kellen Moore, expressed confidence that Tipton would get more chances in the offense but now things will need to be put on hold.Tipton has not played since his leg operation, but he has stayed in the camp with the team. Rather than rush him back, the Saints can now preserve the roster spot while allowing his recovery to continue.The Saints have plenty of other injury questions heading into roster cutdown day; however, Tipton is the only player currently eligible for the reserve/PUP route. The other players not ready for Week 1 will require an injured-reserve designation, thus giving Tipton’s situation a little more clarity for roster management purposes.This is important since the Saints’ receiving group has seen injuries to Jordyn Tyson and Trey Palmer. It means the team will be relying on its healthy players at first, which include Chris Olave and young receivers who have done well in the preseason.However, Tipton was showing great promise before his injury hit. This includes being a very fast receiver and returner with explosive skills. In addition, his prior preseason performance meant he was ready to progress from his rookie season’s restricted role.But right now, the Saints are not shutting the door on this player but s