Roster Moves and Injuries Will Determine Key Matchup Between Saints and 49ers
The New Orleans Saints head into Week 2 with fresh concerns on their roster after a disappointing loss in Week 1. Their next test is against a San Francisco 49ers squad that also enters the game dealing with key injuries. With both teams’ depth being tested, Sunday’s matchup promises to hinge heavily on who can overcome their health issues.
Saints Injury Outlook & Roster Shakeups
New Orleans is still recovering from its Week 1 defeat, hoping to rebound in what is a normal rest period heading into Week 2 and not a short week. Among the brightest spots this week has been Taliese Fuaga, the Saints rookie right tackle. He missed earlier practices but returned with limited participation on Thursday. The knee inflammation that pulled him out has him listed as questionable.
On the defensive side, Saints defensive end Chase Young with a calf injury, guard Trevor Penning with a toe injury, and safety Julian Blackmon with a shoulder injury remain offline. Long snapper Zach Wood did not participate in the Thursday practice and has been downgraded due to an elbow issue. Safety Jordan Howden, listed with an oblique issue, did fully participate this week. The Saints also cut rookie quarterback Hunter Dekkers, leaving Tyler Shough as the chief backup behind Spencer Rattler.
49ers Injury Concerns Including Quarterback And Missing Stars
San Francisco is not entering the matchup in full health either. Their starting quarterback Brock Purdy is unlikely to play in Week 2 against the Saints, battling both a turf toe variant in his toe and a shoulder issue. Purdy is expected to miss two to five weeks. “It’s a long shot to play Sunday,” 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said. “What we’re dealing with is kind of a week to week thing … he’s doing everything he can to get back out there as soon as possible.”
The 49ers will also be without tight end George Kittle, who was placed on injured reserve with a hamstring injury. Wide receiver Jauan Jennings has missed multiple practices this week with a shoulder issue. Left tackle Trent Williams skipped practice, citing rest and a knee issue. Running back Christian McCaffrey is expected to play, although he continues to be managed carefully amid lingering concerns about his calf.
Players To Watch And Matchups
Spencer Rattler, the Saints rookie quarterback, will need to handle a different kind of pressure this week, facing Mac Jones if Purdy remains out. Rattler’s protection will be tested by a 49ers defensive line that can swing momentum with a few big plays.
Jonas Sanker, the Saints rookie safety, may make his first NFL start. With Blackmon unavailable, Sanker’s performance in coverage will be key, especially against a modified 49ers passing offense that will be relying more on wide receivers and less on tight ends while Kittle is out.
What To Expect When The Two Injury Ridden Squads Collide
Both teams come into this game with reasons for concern but also opportunity. The Saints need to correct mistakes from Week 1 and manage their health. The 49ers, meanwhile, are facing perhaps their biggest early test of resiliency. They must replace Brock Purdy, operate without George Kittle, and hope injured starters like Jauan Jennings and Trent Williams can contribute.
Sunday likely will be a chess match of adjustments. The Saints will aim to pressure Mac Jones, exploit weakness in San Francisco’s tight end group, and hope their starters can last. The 49ers will try to lean into their depth at the wide receiver position and ground game, using McCaffrey and others to maintain balance and control time of possession.
Chase Young remains out of practice with a calf injury
Saints defensive end Chase Young remained out of practice Thursday, which doesn’t bode well for his availability for Sunday.
Young hurt his calf in the Sept. 3 practice and sat out last Thursday and Friday before being inactive for the season opener.
Young played all 17 games last season.
Offensive tackle Taliese Fuaga (knee) returned to practice on a limited basis after missing Wednesday’s work. Long snapper Zach Wood (elbow) was downgraded to a non-participant after limited work a day earlier.
The rest of the team’s injury report remained the same with offensive lineman Trevor Penning (toe) and safety Julian Blackmon (shoulder) still out; running back Velus Jones (knee) again limited; and safety Jordan Howden (oblique) a full participant for the second day in a row.
