Ian Book needs to show the Saints he belongs in preseason vs. Texans

Sophomore quarterback Ian Book did not have the most ideal start to his NFL career last season for the New Orleans Saints, but the preseason gives him another shot to prove that he belongs on the roster.

Book was a surprise fourth-round selection in the 2021 draft, pointing to the fact that the coaching staff and front office saw something special from his time at Notre Dame. The production was there, garnering an impressive 72-20 touchdown to interception ratio and near 9,000 passing yards. It was also known that he was a raw product, though, who likely would not see playing time anytime too early barring any disaster. Unfortunately for both Book and the Saints that disaster happened and Book was forced to play in the middle of his rookie season.

After a series of injuries that have been well documented to this point, Book had to step in and start for the Saints in Week 15 against the Miami Dolphins. It was a rough showing where he had a 60% completion percentage for 120 yards and two interceptions. The Saints lost that game 20-3. Book was not active for either of the last two games of the season.

Now, the Saints have added the veteran Andy Dalton to the roster who is the clear backup option to Jameis Winston. The team also has a legitimate emergency quarterback now, in Taysom Hill. There is no clear need for a third quarterback on the roster, so Ian Book needs to show out and prove he belongs to not become a practice squad stash player for the forseeable future. His opportunity will come when the Saints play the Houston Texans on Saturday night.

Story originally appeared on Saints Wire