The Detroit Lions will officially kick off their regular-season schedule against the New Orleans Saints in just nine days, and both teams are dealing with their fair share of injuries.
Unfortunately for New Orleans, the Saints could potentially be without multiple starters when they travel to Detroit. The Lions currently enter the matchup as 7-point home favorites, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.
Saints Dealing With Several Key Injuries
One of the biggest names dealing with an injury is veteran running back Alvin Kamara.
Kamara suffered a Grade 2 MCL sprain and has not practiced since August 18. His initial recovery timetable was approximately one month, and he remains listed as questionable on the Saints' injury report.
It would not be surprising to see New Orleans take a cautious approach with Kamara, especially after signing Travis Etienne this offseason. Kamara appeared in just 11 games last season, making his availability something worth monitoring closely heading into Week 1.
Another notable player dealing with an injury is veteran defensive end Cam Jordan.
Jordan was a free agent this offseason before ultimately re-signing with the Saints. He suffered a hamstring strain during a training camp practice on August 6.
Saints head coach Kellen Moore has not ruled Jordan out for the season opener, but there have been no guarantees regarding his availability. Jordan also did not participate in the preseason and has continued to miss portions of practice.
If Jordan is unable to play, that would be a significant loss for the Saints' defensive front and potentially good news for a Lions offensive line looking to protect Jared Goff.
Jordan Tyson Out
Another major injury is rookie wide receiver Jordan Tyson, who was selected eighth overall in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Tyson suffered a severe hamstring strain during a joint training camp practice against the Jacksonville Jaguars on August 13. The Saints placed him on injured reserve with a designation to return on August 30.
Unlike Kamara and Jordan, Tyson is guaranteed to miss the Lions matchup because he is currently on injured reserve.
Bryan Bresee Out For The Season
The Saints also suffered a major blow along the defensive line with Bryan Bresee.
Bresee is currently on injured reserve after suffering a torn ACL on July 29, the first day of training camp. He was expected to be a starting defensive tackle for New Orleans, but his season is now over.
Losing Bresee could be especially important against Detroit, considering the Lions are expected to lean heavily on their rushing attack and offensive line.
Both Teams Dealing With Injuries
Overall, the Saints appear to be pretty banged up heading into the regular season, but Detroit certainly isn't entering Week 1 at full strength either.
The Lions currently have Isiah Pacheco on injured reserve, while both Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch on IR as well as center Cade Mays.
With nine days remaining until kickoff, there is still plenty of time for both teams to get healthier. However, if Kamara and Jordan are unable to suit up, the Saints could be missing two very important veterans when they walk into Ford Field.
