The Saints are back on the road for their second preseason test, and this one comes at SoFi Stadium against the Los Angeles Rams. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m.
CT/1 p.m. PT on Saturday, Aug. 22, with New Orleans still sorting through the kinds of questions that matter in August: who’s fighting for a roster spot, who can push a starter, which rookies need to show up, and which veterans still have work to do.
One of the early storylines already has a downside. Running back Devin Neal left the game with an injury after just returning from a hamstring issue that had kept him out of practice from Aug. 8 to Aug.
- He was evaluated in the blue medical tent after his last rushing attempt, then walked slowly to the locker room with what appeared to be a non-contact injury.
The Saints were trailing 3-0 at the time.
The offense also took a hit from rookie lineman Jeremiah Wright, whose night was set back by a drive-killing penalty. Wright, a fourth-round pick who has moved up the depth chart at right guard, was flagged for a late hit after engaging once the whistle had already blown.
What should have been 3rd and 2 from the New Orleans 28 became 3rd and 16 from the 14, and the possession quickly fizzled into a punt. Plays like that don’t help his case if he wants to dress on game day, especially with Cesar Ruiz ahead of him.
Before the game, Tyler Shough was the one leading the Saints’ pregame huddle, a sign of the role he’s stepping into as QB1. But he won’t be part of this one, as he sits with the rest of the starting offense. Zach Wilson gets the nod instead of Spencer Rattler, giving him another chance to strengthen his hold on the QB2 battle after a strong showing in the preseason opener.
For those trying to catch the game, FOX will carry it locally with Joel Meyers and John Stinchcomb in the booth and Terron Armstead on the sideline. FUBO is listed as a streaming option with a free trial.
The Gulf Coast Sports and Entertainment Network affiliate stations will also carry the game regionally, according to 506 Sports, and fans in the Los Angeles area, Hawaii and Alaska can watch on KCBS (CBS 2) with J.B. Long, Rob Havenstein and Jourdan Rodrigue.
The Saints entered the day at 0-1 after a 24-20 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Aug. 15.
They finish the preseason on Aug. 28 at the Dallas Cowboys. Jeremy Trottier of Saints Wire predicted a New Orleans win here, pointing to Wilson’s performance last week and projecting the Saints to come away with a 24-20 victory.
In Other News...
Rams Just Got Needed O-Line Help At The Right Time
Justin Dedich is back in the fold at just the right time for a Rams offensive line that has been trying to hold together through a run of injuries and potential suspensions. After missing training camp with a hand injury, Dedich passed a physical and was activated by Los Angeles, giving the team another interior option as it works through the early part of the season.
Dedich is expected to add depth rather than immediately reshape the lineup, but even that matters when the line room has been stretched thin. He may have to start the season playing with a cast, a reminder that the Rams are still managing health as much as they are building continuity up front. [Read more 🡒]
Rams Roster Moves Just Put A Familiar Defender In Limbo
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Thomas move stands out because he has been part of the Rams organization for four years and carved out a role across 17 games, mostly as a depth defender with 13 tackles and three tackles for loss. He exited a recent preseason game with a groin injury, and landing on injured reserve leaves his future in a far less certain place as the Rams continue trimming and reworking the roster. [Read more 🡒]
Rams Just Opened One Last Preseason Door For Young Players
The Rams kept the roster churn going as they added edge rusher Devean Deal and cornerback Steven Gilmore, a reminder that this part of August is as much about opportunity as it is about evaluation. With camp and preseason still shaping the back end of the roster, Los Angeles continues to sift through players who can handle special teams work, developmental snaps and the kind of depth every team ends up needing before the regular season arrives.
The corresponding moves opened spots after cornerback Zech McPhearson and edge rusher Keir Thomas were placed on injured reserve, while linebacker Daniel Rickert was waived with an injury designation. For younger players trying to stick, every shuffle matters because it changes the competition around them and can create one more chance to be seen before the Rams make their final calls. [Read more 🡒]