New Orleans Saints' Week 1 injury report raises key question for their starting defense

The New Orleans Saints unveiled their first injury report of the 2024 regular season. There are some notable names included, at different levels of practice participation.

The Saints will reveal their inactive list on Sunday morning before their matchup against the Carolina Panthers.

New Orleans Saints Week 1 Injury Report

• Willie Gay Jr., Linebacker - Limited
• Marshon Lattimore, Cornerback - Limited
• Nick Saldiveri, Offensive Lineman - Limited
• Jaylan Ford, Linebacker - DNP
• Dallin Holker, Tight End - DNP
• D'Marco Jackson, Linebacker - DNP
• Khalen Saunders, Defensive Tackle - DNP
• Pete Werner, Linebacker - Full

Gay's recent injury forced him to be limited in Wednesday's practice. That being said, it was growth from the start of the week. He did not practice on Monday.

Saints head coach Dennis Allen noted that Gay is an important part to what they want to do on defense. He and Pete Werner have both been a bit banged up recently, but hopefully, both will be ready for Sunday.

Marshon Lattimore was limited, but he seems to be trending in the right way towards playing in Week 1. Saldiveri's status is a bit cloudier as a top backup option on the Saints' offensive line.

Rookies Jaylan Ford and Dallin Holker both did not practice Wednesday. Holker was an observer, alongside running back Kendre Miller. Miller is out for the first four games of the season after being placed on the injury list.

I would not expect Khalen Saunders to play in Week 1. That opens the door for young DT Bryan Bresee to get an increase in snaps for the Saints defense.

All in all, most of the injury concerns for New Orleans are to backups to open their regular season. The must stay healthy if they want to get back to the postseason.

Related: Saints make notable move with Taysom Hill on their first unofficial depth chart for 2024 season