Headed into their first matchup of the 2026 regular season, the New Orleans Saints had some major injury question marks. Before they take on the Detroit Lions at noon in the season-opener, here’s a look at who is in and who is out for New Orleans.
Who’s In
RB Kendre Miller
After missing some time throughout training camp and the preseason, running back Kendre Miller is back and good to go in the opening matchup. He wasn’t listed in the injury report all throughout the first regular season practice week and will be the primary complement to starter Travis Etienne Jr.
Running back CJ Donaldson won’t have to wait long to get into the action as an undrafted rookie either. He was elevated from the practice squad and will help contribute both on offense and special teams teams.
WR Kevin Austin Jr.
While rookie wideouts Barion Brown and Bryce Lance make up half of the active roster at wide receiver, veteran pass-catcher Kevin Austin Jr. was elevated from the practice sways to participate in the open game and may end up outsnapping both rookies.
TE Treyton Welch
Signed up from the practice squad to join the 53-man roster (which he initially made going into the season) tight end Treyton Welch will be the team’s No. 3 at tight end. Because of his blocking and pass-catching ability, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him get a wealth of snaps throughout the day.
He joins the fold with Juwan Johnson and Noah Fant as the Saints are expected to lean on multi-tight end sets.
Who’s Out?
RB Alvin Kamara
Though he was a full participant in practice to close out the week, running back Alvin Kamara will not make his season debut in Detroit, but instead, more likely, in Baltimore Week 2.
A knee injury kept Kamara out since the team’s joint practice against the Dallas Cowboys and returned for Week 1’s practice week, well ahead of his expected schedule.
EDGE Cameron Jordan
Missing only his second career game because of injury (third overall), edge rusher Cameron Jordan looks on track to also debut in Week 2. Jordan has been battling a hamstring injury that’s sidelined him since early in camp. He did return for the final practice of Week 1 but all eyes will be on next week for him.
TE Oscar Delp
Another hamstring injury has sidelined rookie tight end Oscar Delp as well, and he will have to wait to make his first NFL appearance. Delp did not participate in practices throughout the week, so a return to the field for when Week 2 preparation begin would be a big step in the right direction for the versatile and athletic tight end.
