The New Orleans Saints are set to host the Jacksonville Jaguars for joint practices on Thursday, Aug. 13.
During this opportunity to work against a different team for the first time in the offseason, the Saints’ young corners will face a pair of talented pass catches in wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. and two-way star Travis Hunter.
For cornerbacks Kool-Aid McKinstry and Quincy Riley, the matchups will provide a proving ground to substantiate the development and growth that they’ve shown throughout Saints camp so far.
Both corners have been impressive, making plays at the catch point, in the run game and each snagging interceptions throughout the practice periods. They’ve taken a noticeable step forward in defensive coordinator Brandon Staley’s system.
That ascension is now set to be put to the test going up against unfamiliar opponents, and very good ones at that.
Thomas, a former LSU Tiger, totaled just 707 receiving yards and a pair of touchdown catches in 2025, but topped 1,200 receiving yards and reeled in 10 touchdown receptions his rookie year.
Meanwhile, Hunter is expected to have his wide receiver role expanded going into the 2026 season in Jacksonville and has been the talk of Jaguars camp at the position thus far.
Getting the opportunity to lock horns with new faces is always a welcome element of the joint practice endeavor, but getting to do so against some of the league’s top talent is even better. McKinstry and Riley are set for a chance to prove that their growth and development aren’t just in comfortable environments and matchups.
Instead, they could show that they have indeed taken the next step as the team’s top cornerback duo.
That opportunity will extend beyond the Jaguars joint practice, as well. Following the two teams’ preseason game, the Saints will travel to the West Coast where they will square off in more practice environments against the Los Angeles Rams and their top wideouts Puka Nacua and Davante Adams before taking the 101 North to take on the Dallas Cowboys and their dynamic tandem of Ceedee Lamb and George Pickens.
