Shock hit New Orleans in 2025 as the Saints lost a starting safety after Week 1. The timing is urgent because Week 2 preparation is underway and depth must be decided quickly. Coach Kellen Moore confirmed the shoulder looks like a seasonlong issue and said surgery is planned this week. That fact forces the Saints to choose between young roster options and outside additions, a decision that could reshape defensive playcalling. What short-term moves will the team make to plug this hole before Sunday?
What losing Blackmon means for the Saints’ 2025 secondary
Julian Blackmon sustained a shoulder injury in Week 1 and is likely out for the season.
Kellen Moore said the injury looks like a seasonlong issue and surgery is planned this week.
Jonas Sanker had 15 preseason tackles and is among four internal replacement candidates.
Why Blackmon’s injury changes the Saints’ Week 2 plan in 2025
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The injury matters now because the Saints face the 49ers on Sunday and must set a new starting package. Coaches have limited practice reps, so the choice between promoting a youngster or signing a veteran will affect coverages and blitz schemes. Losing Blackmon removes a familiar safety pairing with Justin Reid, a combination the team praised in training camp. Expect accelerated practice snaps for backups and a strategic shift toward simpler safety rotations this week.
Which voices are reacting to Blackmon’s injury this week?
Several local reporters and team insiders flagged the severity within hours; social posts confirmed the coach’s line that this “will be a long one.”
#Saints head coach Kellen Moore confirmed Julian Blackmon's shoulder injury and that it may be a season-ending situation.
Said that it did happen during the game but didn't become clear until later in the evening.
— Ross Jackson (@RossJacksonNOLA) September 8, 2025
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Team beat writers noted that adrenaline masked the injury on game day, and coach comments signaled surgery is imminent. Later reactions highlighted roster depth and named potential fill-ins, pressing the front office for a quick answer.
Kellen Moore confirms that Julian Blackmon has a shoulder injury: "That'll be a long one … potentially for the full season and that's a tough one." #Saints
— Jeff Nowak (@Jeff_Nowak) September 8, 2025
How the Saints’ 2025 safety depth and preseason numbers stack up
Blackmon and Justin Reid had quickly formed a trusted pairing, and Blackmon played every snap in the opener before the injury manifested. Rookie Jonas Sanker led the team with 15 preseason tackles and showed playmaking versatility. The Saints also have Jordan Howden, Ugo Amadi, and Terrell Burgess available, testing internal options rather than immediate externals. This depth mix forces the Saints to balance continuity and match-up preparation for Week 2.
The numbers behind the Saints’ sudden safety gap
| KPI | Value + Unit | Change/Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Preseason tackles (Sanker) | 15 tackles | Shows readiness for snaps |
| Week 2 kickoff time | 1 p.m. ET | Accelerates replacement timeline |
| Potential internal replacements | 4 players | Depth will be tested this week |
The Saints must act fast to convert depth into reliable Week 2 coverage.
What Blackmon’s injury means for Saints’ 2025 hopes – and what’s next?
Losing a likely season-long starter forces immediate defensive simplification and roster moves that could cost cohesion. Short-term, the Saints must prepare a rotation around Justin Reid and one or two backups for Sunday. Longer-term, the team faces decisions about taxying roster spots and potential waiver additions ahead of the next game. Will the Saints trust internal development or pursue a veteran fix before the roster window closes?
Sources
- https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/46201136/julian-blackmon-shoulder-injury-leaves-new-orleans-saints-scrambling-safety-again
- https://www.nola.com/sports/saints/saints-s-julian-blackmon-believed-to-have-torn-his-labrum/article_b170556d-3aaa-4b17-9196-d082c9b3c446.html
- https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-news-roundup-latest-league-updates-from-monday-sept-8
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Jessica Morrison is a seasoned entertainment writer with over a decade of experience covering television, film, and pop culture. After earning a degree in journalism from New York University, she worked as a freelance writer for various entertainment magazines before joining red94.net. Her expertise lies in analyzing television series, from groundbreaking dramas to light-hearted comedies, and she often provides in-depth reviews and industry insights. Outside of writing, Jessica is an avid film buff and enjoys discovering new indie movies at local festivals.