Saints injury could put unexpected rookie in Week 5 starting role

LouisianaSpots.net's Ross Jackson noted that if Yiadom is unable to play, it could open the door for Riley, who has slowly worked his way into defensive coordinator Brandon Staley's rotation.

Saints youth movement is what the organization needs

The 2025 fourth-rounder (No. 131 overall) didn't receive a defensive snap during the first two weeks and played 18 two weeks ago at the Seattle Seahawks. Last Sunday against the Buffalo Bills, Riley played 24 defensive snaps, and that number could increase once more against the Giants.

If so, it would continue an accelerated youth movement in the New Orleans secondary — and not by choice. Safety Tyrann Mathieu retired at the start of training camp, and his replacement, Julian Blackmon, suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in Week 1, forcing rookie third-rounder Jonas Sanker into a starting role. He's impressed, recording his first career interception in Week 4 against Bills quarterback Josh Allen, and allowing just four receptions on eight targets in coverage. 

The Saints could start two rookies in their secondary against New York, plus second-year corner Kool-Aid McKinstry, the No. 41 overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft. The season is already a lost cause at 0-4, so it's imperative for New Orleans to know which players on its roster can be a part of the franchise's next playoff team, whenever that may be. Getting those rookies and younger pros reps can only help the Saints make more informed decisions when identifying players to build around. With an impressive showing, Riley could be in that number.