Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
By Ross Jackson
METAIRIE, La. – The New Orleans Saints capped off the NFL’s bonus week with one more practice on Thursday before taking a long weekend ahead of Week One.
Players still managing injury were not seen, which isn’t a big shock. With next week being much more necessary for these players, there’s a chance that they are simply being given time to get back out on the field next week rather than rushing back for these practices with no opponent this weekend.
Head coach Kellen Moore gave a brief update on cornerback Alontae Taylor and his recovery process ahead of practice:
“He’s just continuing to go through the rehabilitation process,” he said. “He’s doing a nice job. (We) feel like he’s right where he needs to be.”
Here are the players that we did not spot during the portion of practice open to the local media.
Active Roster:
- CB Alontae Taylor (groin)
- S Julian Blackmon
- S Jordan Howden
- LS Zach Wood
- LG Trevor Penning (toe)
- DT Khristian Boyd (hand)
No real surprises here. Taylor and Penning continue their rehabilitation. Boyd’s injury never sounded to be a serious one, so seeing the team take its time with him isn’t out of the ordinary. Along with Taylor, recent reports also suggest that Penning is on a positive timeline to return as well.
Unclear if Saints G Trevor Penning will be ready for Week 1, but if not, it should be soon after. Big toe injury is on the opposite foot from his rookie year, and nowhere near as significant.
Penning was walking through the locker room without a boot Wednesday.
— Mike Triplett (@MikeTriplett) August 27, 2025
Practice Squad:
- WR Cedrick Wilson Jr.
- S Terrell Burgess
- WR Kevin Austin Jr.
Wilson and Austin were not present for Tuesday’s practice either though there was no reported injury for either. Meanwhile Burgess has been managing injury since the Saints and Los Angeles Rams joint practices the week before the second preseason matchup. Wilson in particular was added to the practice squad from the active roster, potentially lengthening his process to getting back on the field as a part of that transaction. Tight end Jack Stoll, who was in a similar situation as Wilson, did find his way to the field on Thursday.
