Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
By Ross Jackson
With an injury to veteran cornerback Isaac Yiadom, New Orleans Saints rookie corner Quincy Riley appears to be approaching his first career start in the Week 5 home game against the New York Giants.
Riley has seen 40 snaps so far this season and could be set to double that total after Sunday’s game.
Yiadom is nursing a hamstring injury that caused him to be downgraded in Thursday’s practice from limited on Wednesday to not participating. That seems to indicate that the injury may have taken place during Wednesday’s work.
Now, the door opens even further for Riley.
Last week, the rookie outsnapped the veteran. Riley saw 24 defensive snaps to Yiadom’s 14. Riley was credited by Pro Football Focus (PFF) with one target, one catch allowed and 11 receiving yards surrendered. It wasn’t far off from Yiadom’s one catch allowed for 17 receiving yards.
However, Yiadom was beat deep on a throw to Buffalo Bills wideout Keon Coleman on a pass that was intercepted by rookie safety Jonas Sanker, who made an incredible effort play on the ball.
Rookie Jonas Sanker picks off Josh Allen!
NOvsBUF on CBS/Paramount+https://t.co/HkKw7uXnxV pic.twitter.com/JoFSJNnqIf
— NFL (@NFL) September 28, 2025
While Yiadom’s numbers looked solid statistically against the Bills, some concerns have been raised because of his play so far this season. Per PFF, Yiadom has surrendered 12 receptions on 15 targets (80%) for 141 yards for a 105.8 passer rating as the closest defender. He was also penalized once this year on a key third-and-seven against the San Francisco 49ers.
While the mounting concern around the veteran’s play has picked up steam, so too has the interest in seeing the rookie Riley get more opportunities.
Riley’s chances started to tick up against the Seattle Seahawks two weeks ago. Now, he appears to be on track to see his first opportunity as a starter. This could also work very well for the Saints, should the rookie ballhawk find success. If the veteran Yiadom doesn’t reach 25-35 percent of defensive snaps in 2025, New Orleans would be in line to receive a fourth-round compensatory pick after losing cornerback Paulson Adebo in free agency.
The Saints will face Adebo this weekend in Riley’s potential first start where Riley will be wearing Adebo’s old jersey number, No. 29. Symmetry creates intrigue, and there will be a lot of it should this all come to fruition.
