Oct 27, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive end Chase Young (99) warms up prior to the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Kellen Moore rules out two key starters for Saints less than 48 hours before season opener vs. Cardinals

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Adam Holt | Last updated Sep 5, 2025 5:30 PM ET

Injuries ahead of Week 1 are always a tough truth around the NFL. For the New Orleans Saints, their trench group will need to overcome som notable ailments for the starting lineup.

Saints head coach Kellen Moore is looking for his first win in his first game as an NFL HC in the season opener against the Arizona Cardinals. He will have to adjust his game plan after the latest injury news for his team. He discussed some notable updates with the media on Friday afternoon.

Chase Young and Trevor Penning are out for Week 1

According to Kellen Moore, the Saints will be without edge rusher Chase Young and guard Trevor Penning. Both are projected starters for New Orleans. Young has a calf injury, but he does not think it will be a long-term issue. As for Penning, he was injured during the preseason. The offensive lineman is dealing with a toe injury.

#Saints coach Kellen Moore rules out Chase Young for Sunday vs. the #AZCardinals. Moore, the former #Eagles OC, also asked about talking to the team about the emphasis on unsportsmanlike conduct after last night’s game: “That was certainly one of the things we had to address.”
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) September 5, 2025

Young's absence wil increase playing time for both Carl Granderson and Chris Rumph II most likely. I would expect the Saints to elevate a pass rusher from their practice squad ahead of the matchup, too. As for the offensive line, Asim Richards or Torricelli Simpkins III will most likely replace Penning in the starting lineup.

Richards was a trade addition this offseason via the Dallas Cowboys and has position versatility between guard and tackle. Simpkins impressed the team a ton during the preseason as an undrafted free agent. Dillon Radunz could also get a look on the interior, but New Orleans may choose to keep him as a swing tackle option for now.

Alontae Taylor expected to play vs. Cardinals

The nickel back for New Orleans has been dealing with an injury in recent weeks, but it looks like he will suit up against Arizona. That's huge news for the Saints defense. Taylor is expected to be a vital part of the unit under new defensive coordinator Brandon Staley.

Not to mention, the inexperience of the rest of the cornerback room makes Taylor even more important to the group. As of now, Kool-Aid McKinstry and Isaac Yiadom are expected to start at outside CB for the Saints. Quincy Riley is a rookie who could garner snaps, too.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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