Saints Make Final Preparations Before Jaguars Joint Practice

Originally posted on New Orleans Saints on SI
By Grant Chachere | Last updated Aug 12, 2026 2:59 PM ET

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The New Orleans Saints had their final light day of practice before the Jacksonville Jaguars duke it out with the Saints on Airline Drive Thursday in a joint practice ahead of Saturday’s session.

The Saints had a light practice, as they were just in helmets. It was not a walkthrough, as there were two 11-on-11 periods and a goal-line period as well, but there was hardly any physicality. It was essentially two-hand touch and the play was over.

That is in part because of the joint practice happening tomorrow with the Jaguars. A lot of the starters will be participating in those collaborative sessions. Due to that, head coach Kellen Moore said to expect mostly the twos and threes to play on Saturday.

Here are some notes from everything I observed.

Injury Update

Nothing has changed since yesterday, but Devaughn Vele was the most notable absentee. However, Moore stated that Vele was healthy and was only taking a rest day. Vele was a starter in the slot for the Saints in the first unofficial depth chart they released next season.

Davon Godchaux (ankle) and Rejzohn Wright (hip) remained out after leaving practice early with trainers Tuesday. Kendre Miller (back), Devin Neal (hamstring), Cam Jordan (hamstring), defensive lineman John Ridgeway (back) and linebacker Chris Rumph (ankle) also were not seen.

Noticeable Rotations

In Vele’s absence, Kevin Austin Jr. took reps with the first team and Barion Brown rotated in as well.

William Sherman and rookie Jeremiah Wright played left guard and right guard for one team series with the first-team offense.

On defense, defensive tackle Khristian Boyd took reps with the first team while Godchaux took a break.

Linebacker Pete Werner was back as the starter alongside Kaden Elliss after missing yesterday. Werner was suited up, but he was on the sideline resting a groin injury. How much he will participate in the joint practice with the Jaguars is to be determined.

If Werner is a no-go, Danny Stutsman will take his place. Stutsman has been one of the breakout stars of training camp and has been pushing Werner for the starting position.

Jaylan Ford also took a few reps with the first team linebackers as well.

There Were Sill Highlights in a Short Period of Time

Despite a shorter practice than usual, there were still some highlights.

Cornerback Isaac Yiadom made a great play in the first 11-on-11 session. Spencer Rattler threw a deep ball to Bryce Lance, and it looked like he was about to make the catch of the day, but Yiadom forced the ball out for an incomplete pass.

However, Lance made up for it when he hauled in a deep touchdown pass from Rattler in double coverage in the end zone. Lance has been better than expected throughout training camp and should be a lock on the 53-man roster.

Training Camp Schedule

Here's the practice schedule for the week:

- Thursday, 9:00-11:00 a.m., Joint Practice with the Jaguars (SOLD OUT)
- Friday, TBD, Walk-Thru (Closed)
- Saturday, Saints vs. Jaguars, 3:00 p.m., Superdome