REPORT: Saints Starters Expected to Play Versus 49ers

By Ross Jackson

NEW ORLEANS — The new offense for the New Orleans Saints was very much not on full display against the Arizona Cardinals during preseason Week 1, and the same is expected Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers. 

Per Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football, the team is expected to give time to its starters in its second exhibition game. This makes perfect sense considering the fact that the 49ers had to cancel joint practices with the team because of the injuries the team has suffered over training camp. 

It’s logical that the Saints would give time to their starters to make up for the lack of reps they were able to have during those planned bouts against an unfamiliar opponent. The only way to replicate that value, even at the risk of injury, is to do get those reps against the Niners on Sunday in their preseason matchup. 

Even though the Saints intend to give some time to their starters, do not expect to see much more of the offense I. Week 2 of the preseason than Week 1. Per a source with knowledge of the situation, this game will be better served by the team by evaluating the depth and the players trying to win jobs than being concerned with yards gained by their offense. 

The team believes in what new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak has in store for the regular season, regardless of preseason results. “Nothing in the NFL is less of an indicator of future success as preseason snaps,” the source tells LousianaSports.net. 

Do not, however, be surprised to see some wrinkles here and there. Without those joint practices, the team has no indication of what its offense looks like against an unfamiliar defense. That may play a role in how the team chooses to approach things against San Francisco. But even with that in mind, do not expect the full offering of what the Saints have ready to serve up Week 1 against the Carolina Panthers. 

Playing starters is logical, though, regardless of scheme. Players like right tackle Trevor Penning, safeties Jordan Jordan Howden and Johnathan Abram and others are still jostling for starting roles. This game could go a long way to solidify their bids for those opportunities. If nothing else, it will give the team more fodder for its decision to go pursue other options at reveal spots where new faces could generate intrigue.