Saints defensive end Chase Young
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Chase Young #99 of the New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints began Week 1 preparations with defensive end Chase Young listed as a limited participant on Wednesday’s injury report. Young is dealing with calf tightness, raising questions about his availability for Sunday’s home opener against the Arizona Cardinals.
Head coach Kellen Moore characterized the issue as minor but admitted the team will monitor it closely. “It’s day to day,” Moore said when asked about Young’s status.
Young enjoyed a productive offseason and was expected to play a significant role opposite veteran Cameron Jordan. If he is unable to suit up, the Saints could turn to Carl Granderson and Chris Rumph II, with Fadil Diggs and Eku Leota providing depth.
The Saints dealt with injuries throughout last season, as early injuries tested the depth chart and forced backups into extended roles. The organization hoped 2025 would bring a cleaner start, making Young’s status especially significant.
Reporter Nick Underhill noted that Young’s “Week 1 availability could be at risk” if the injury lingers into the weekend. The next two practices will determine whether he is cleared for action.
Penning Held Out with Toe Injury
Offensive guard Trevor Penning did not participate in Wednesday’s session due to a lingering toe injury. Penning first sustained the injury during the preseason opener on August 10 and has struggled to return to full speed.
Penning’s absence is a pressing concern for a line tasked with protecting quarterback Spencer Rattler. Crescent City Sports’ Ken Trahan reported that “Penning’s health is the biggest concern with the Saints’ first injury report.” Without him, the Saints could be forced to reshuffle assignments along the offensive front, creating early-season challenges for both the run game and the inexperienced Rattler.
Other Injuries Easing Back
The Saints listed three additional players as limited participants on Wednesday. Defensive tackle Khristian Boyd is working back from a hand injury, safety Jordan Howden is recovering from an oblique issue, and cornerback Alontae Taylor is nursing a groin strain.
All three were absent earlier in the preseason, so their presence, even in a limited capacity, suggests improvement. The team will continue to evaluate them throughout the week, but their return offers some encouragement to a defense that will face a mobile Arizona offense.
Saints Injury Report at a Glance
Chase Young: calf (limited)
Trevor Penning: toe (did not participate)
Khristian Boyd: hand (limited)
Jordan Howden: oblique (limited)
Alontae Taylor: groin (limited)
By comparison, the Cardinals’ report was short. Guard Will Hernandez was limited with a knee injury, while center Jon Gaines II, who had a thumb issue, practiced fully.
Key Storylines to Watch
The health of Young and Penning will remain the dominant storylines as the week progresses. Young’s ability to rush the passer is central to the Saints’ defensive game plan, while Penning’s availability could decide how the offensive line functions in the opener.
With the season opener on the road, the margin for error is slim. Early setbacks in health could magnify pressure on a roster still adjusting to new leadership under Moore.
For the players listed as limited, the Saints will look for incremental progress before Friday’s final injury report. If they continue to trend upward, the defense should have more stability entering the season.