The New Orleans Saints got some positive injury updates as they head into their first game week of the season.
Several important players made their returns to the practice field after extended absences, most notably Alontae Taylor (groin), who hadn't practiced since prior to the preseason opener out in L.A. DT Khristian Boyd (hand), S Jordan Howden (oblique) and S Julian Blackmon also returned after missing time last week.
The Saints will also have to monitor Chase Young's status, with the DE leaving early with a calf issue that Moore described as minor.
Here's how it broke down on the Saints' first official injury report for the 2025 season:
- LG Trevor Penning (toe): DNP
- DT Khristian Boyd (hand): LP
- S Jordan Howden (oblique): LP
- CB Alontae Taylor (groin): LP
- DE Chase Young (calf): LP
FP = full participant; LP = limited participant; DNP = did not participate
Taylor spoke in the locker room following practice and indicated frustration with the missed time, but that he was well ahead of the initial recovery timeline provided for him.
The lone absence on Wednesday was that of Trevor Penning, who suffered a foot injury in the preseason opener against the Chargers. The former first-round pick converted to the guard position this offseason and has progressed in his recovery, but a return for Week 1 is appearing increasingly unlikely. If he can't go it'll be veteran Dillon Radunz taking over in the starting lineup as he did for each of the final two preseason games.
Related
Here's how the Cardinals' side of the injury report broke down:
- OL Will Hernandez (knee): LP
- OL Jon Gaines II (thumb): FP
The Saints open their 2025 slate at noon Sunday when they host the Cardinals at the Caesars Superdome. Catch all the action on WWL and Audacy.