The New Orleans Saints came out of their win over the Baltimore Ravens riding a huge wave, but the mood took a hit before the final whistle. Left tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. left with an ankle injury, was ruled out, and the cart ride off the field only made the concern louder.
The immediate update offered a little relief. Banks Jr. was first expected to miss around 4-6 weeks, which at least kept the door open for a return later in the season. But that changed later the same day, when it was clarified that he could be sidelined much longer, possibly for the entire year.
That kind of blow lands hard because of where Banks Jr. plays. Losing an interior lineman would be manageable, but losing a tackle creates a much tougher problem for the Saints. Asim Richards has not been the strongest backup option, though he did earn some credit for stepping in against the Ravens.
New Orleans also brought in another tackle, Mason Murphy, before the season, so there could be a real battle at left tackle this week. However it plays out, the Saints are looking at a more difficult road up front.
That challenge gets even sharper with the Las Vegas Raiders coming next and Maxx Crosby in the mix. Pass protection is already a test, and this one figures to be especially demanding.
Tyler Shough has handled pressure decently so far, but as the Lions game showed, it may take this offense some time to settle in. That adjustment period has been a recurring issue this season, and plenty of times last year too, so it would not be a surprise to see it again.
In Other News...
Saints Fans Will Notice One Big Superdome Change At The Home Opener
The home opener at the Caesars Superdome is bringing more than the return of Saints football, as the building rolls out a fresh food-and-drink lineup tied to the franchises 60th season. Fans walking into the dome will find a new $6 value menu alongside Louisiana-flavored additions that fit the citys game-day personality, part of a broader push to make the in-game experience feel more distinctly local.
Among the new options are a pork alligator burger, Tabasco wings and specialty cocktails, with suite guests getting their own nod to the anniversary through a $60 commemorative dessert. It is the kind of detail that may not change the standings, but it does speak to how much the Superdomes culinary staff is leaning into the moment, especially with a full home schedule still ahead. [Read more 🡒]
Saints Fans Can Already See Kellen Moores Travis Etienne Problem
Two games into the season, Travis Etiennes role has already become one of the more interesting early questions around Kellen Moores offense. The Saints head coach has leaned on Alvin Kamara in the running game, while Etienne has been more of a factor as a receiver than as the primary runner many expected when he arrived with a big contract.
For a back paid to be a centerpiece, fewer than 10 rushing attempts in each of the first two weeks is hard to ignore, especially for a Saints team still sorting out how it wants to distribute touches. The concern now is less about Etiennes talent than whether Moore intends to use him as a true lead back at all, or if this early split is a sign of how the backfield will be managed going forward. [Read more 🡒]
Saints Lose First Tyler Shough-Jaxson Dart Test For One Frustrating Reason
The Saints were already looking ahead to their next matchup with the Giants, but the quarterback picture in New York has changed dramatically. Jaxson Dart left the Rams game with what was first believed to be an MCL sprain, and an MRI later showed more extensive damage, raising the possibility that his absence could stretch deep into the rest of the season.
For New Orleans, it means the first Tyler Shough-Jaxson Dart meeting will have to wait. Dart is not expected to play against the Saints, with Jameis Winston slated to start in his place, leaving one of the more interesting quarterback tests on the schedule without the rookie the Saints were preparing to see. [Read more 🡒]