Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
By Ross Jackson
METAIRIE, La. – Midweek downgrades rarely work out well for NFL teams, and after a season full of them in 2024, the New Orleans Saints are again stricken as this season approaches kick-off.
Among those not present during the portion of Thursday’s practice open to the media was starting defensive end Chase Young. Expected to have a big season this year, Young is now in jeopardy of missing the first game of the year, though his calf injury (which he suffered during Wednesday’s practice) isn’t expected to be severe.
The Saints responded to the injury by appearing to sign another pass rusher to the practice squad, where he could be elevated to the active roster if needed. It appears that quarterback Hunter Dekkers was waived from the practice squad in order to make room for the pass rusher.
Along with the new signee, the Saints can choose from rookie defensive end Fadil Diggs, recently-signed free agent Eku Leota or simply go into the game with their three pass rushers on the active roster: Cam Jordan, Carl Granderson and Chris Rumph II.
Including Young, here are the players that were not spotted during the open viewing portion of Thursday’s Saints practice:
- LG Trevor Penning (Toe)
- DE Chase Young (Calf)
- QB Hunter Dekkers
- S Terrell Burgess
Wide receiver Kevin Austin Jr. observed alongside his position group again
