Metairie, Louisiana, USA – 10 September 2025
The New Orleans Saints are assessing a series of injuries from their season-opening loss to the Arizona Cardinals, with the defensive secondary taking a significant hit. The team fears that starting safety Julian Blackmon may have suffered a season-ending shoulder injury, a major setback for the team’s defensive unit.
The New Orleans Saints’ 20-13 defeat to the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 was compounded by a growing list of injuries, most notably a potentially season-ending shoulder injury to starting safety Julian Blackmon. Coach Kellen Moore confirmed the injury in his post-game press conference, stating that Blackmon’s status would be updated, but that the initial assessment was not promising. The loss of Blackmon would be a major blow to a Saints secondary that already faced a tough challenge in the opener.
Headlines:
* Blackmon’s Injury a Major Setback: Starting safety Julian Blackmon suffered a shoulder injury that could sideline him for the entire season, leaving a critical hole in the Saints’ defensive backfield.
* Rookie Offensive Lineman Injured: Right tackle Taliese Fuaga left the game with a knee injury, and his status for Week 2 against the San Francisco 49ers remains uncertain.
* Chase Young Sidelined with Calf Injury: The Saints were already without key pass rusher Chase Young, who missed the season opener with a calf injury. His return date is still unclear.
* A Tough Loss for a New Era: The injuries come at a difficult time for the Saints, as the team begins its first season under head coach Kellen Moore.
* Next Man Up Mentality: The Saints will be forced to rely on their depth to fill the void left by Blackmon’s injury, with backup defensive backs expected to step up in a difficult matchup against a strong 49ers offense.
Blackmon’s injury is particularly concerning given the importance of the safety position in modern NFL defenses. A veteran with a reputation for strong coverage and a knack for making plays on the ball, Blackmon was a key component of the team’s defensive scheme. The Saints will now have to rely on their depth to fill his role, a challenging task with a tough opponent like the San Francisco 49ers on the horizon. The defensive secondary, which gave up 130 yards through the air to the Cardinals, will need to quickly adjust to the loss of a key leader.
The Saints’ offensive line also suffered a blow with rookie right tackle Taliese Fuaga leaving the game with a knee injury. Fuaga, a first-round draft pick, had a solid debut before his injury, and his absence would be a blow to an offensive line that is still finding its rhythm. The Saints were already without guard Trevor Penning (foot) and star pass rusher Chase Young (calf) in Week 1, and the status of both players for the upcoming game is still being evaluated.
Despite the injuries, there were some positive signs for the Saints, including a strong debut for the defense under new coordinator Joe Woods, who held the Cardinals to just 276 total yards. The team’s young players will need to step up as they prepare for a tough matchup against the San Francisco 49ers, a team that could also be dealing with its own injury issues, including a potential absence for star tight end George Kittle. The Saints’ ability to navigate these setbacks will be a major test for the team’s depth and coaching staff.
