Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
By Ross Jackson
The preseason allows players around the league to either confirm a coaching staff’s belief in them or to convince the decision-makers to give them a role if still working to earn it.
However, for some, the preseason serves as a proving ground on which a player can fall short. For these three players, that may have been the case as the New Orleans Saints took on the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday.
Edge Rusher Isaiah Foskey
Despite playing the most defensive snaps for the Saints, Foskey didn’t manage to notch a single stat outside of an assisted tackle and two missed tackles. It’s unfortunate for the Notre Dame all-time sack leader who was expected to come to life in new defensive coordinator Brandon Staley’s scheme.
However, a silent day from the pass rusher has done nothing more than reignite the “bust” conversation around him. As a second-round pick, he’s a player that has seen some high expectations. But it’s no mystery that he’s struggled to take steps forward in meeting them.
Foskey needed a strong camp to make the team this year, IMO. Haven’t seen that yet this summer. https://t.co/Hs7aftHTpz
— Katherine Terrell (@Kat_Terrell) August 10, 2025
OL Dillon Radunz
The veteran lineman had a really tough day on Sunday. He was responsible for a pair of sacks, including the strip-sack on quarterback Spencer Rattler. He was also whistled for an illegal formation penalty.
Radunz was brought in to help shore I’ll the depth on the offensive interior. However, with lineman Landon Young out with injury, the former Tennessee Titan was asked to fill in at tackle. He struggled mightily in the role.
WR Donovan Peoples-Jones
The Saints could use a big, physical presence at wideout. While Peoples-Jones isn’t 6-foot-3 or above, he does have the strength and physicality that could benefit the team. Unfortunately, being that he only received nine snaps, he didn’t get much of a chance to prove it.
Compare that to other wideouts like Dante Pettis (24 snaps), Cedrick Wilson Jr. (40 snaps), Kevin Austin Jr. (47 snaps) and Mason Tipton (49 snaps), and one has to wonder what the Saints think of Peoples-Jones and his ability to contribute. Perhaps next weekend’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars will provide more avenues for the veteran wideout to impress.
