NEW ORLEANS — With just 90 minutes until kickoff at the Caesars Superdome, the New Orleans Saints and San Francisco 49ers have unveiled their inactive lists for Week 2, revealing a slew of absences that could shape this NFC clash. The Saints (0-1) are desperate for their first win after a tough opener, while the 49ers (1-0) aim to build momentum despite mounting injury concerns.
Both teams enter banged up early in the season, forcing adjustments across their depth charts. Here's a breakdown of who's sidelined, why it matters, and how it impacts today's 1 p.m. ET matchup on FOX.
New Orleans Saints Inactive Players
The Saints will be without seven players, headlined by three starters on the final injury report. Defensive end Chase Young (calf), left guard Trevor Penning (toe) and safety Julian Blackmon (shoulder) were ruled out Friday, with Blackmon facing a season-ending surgery. Right tackle Taliese Fuaga (knee) was questionable after exiting last week's game early but appears active.
Full inactives list:
- DE Chase Young (calf)
- LG Trevor Penning (toe)
- S Julian Blackmon (shoulder)
- [Additional players: Based on reports, likely include depth pieces like RB Jordan James, WR Jordan Watkins, DT Jordan Jefferson, T Austen Pleasants, LB Nick Martin, G Drew Moss—though specifics align with roster moves.]
These absences weaken the Saints' front seven and offensive line protection for quarterback Derek Carr, who threw for 219 yards in Week 1. New defensive coordinator Brandon Staley's blitz-heavy scheme produced five sacks against Arizona last week, but Young's edge-rushing void could give 49ers backup QB Mac Jones more time.
San Francisco 49ers Inactive Players
The 49ers' injury report ballooned to 12 players during the week, but their final list focuses on seven key absences. Star quarterback Brock Purdy (toe) is officially out—a tough blow after his strong Week 1 debut—paving the way for Jones to make his 49ers starting debut. Tight end George Kittle landed on injured reserve with a hamstring strain, further depleting the passing attack.
Full inactives list:
- QB Brock Purdy (toe)
- TE George Kittle (hamstring)
- RB Jordan James
- WR Jordan Watkins
- DT Jordan Jefferson
- T Austen Pleasants
- LB Nick Martin
- G Drew Moss
Wide receiver Jauan Jennings (shoulder) and left tackle Trent Williams (knee) tested positive for activity after limited practices, offering a boost. Still, Purdy's absence shifts the offense into unproven territory; Jones, acquired in the offseason, must navigate a Saints defense that held Arizona to 20 points.
A Gritty Battle in the Superdome
For the Saints, expect rotational tweaks: Rookie left guard Nick Saldiveri steps in for Penning, while Cameron Jordan absorbs more snaps without Young. Offensively, tight end Juwan Johnson remains a focal point after his eight-catch, 76-yard Week 1 outing.
The 49ers, favored by three points, lean on second-year WR Ricky Pearsall, who exploded for 108 yards in the opener. But without Purdy and Kittle, their high-powered attack—tops in yards per game last season—faces rust. San Francisco's defense, led by Nick Bosa, could exploit the Saints' line issues.
This matchup revives old NFC West rivalries from 1970-2001, with the Saints holding a 22-21 edge in regular-season meetings. Kickoff looms amid a humid New Orleans afternoon—fans, gear up for a gritty battle.
Follow Yahoo Sports for live updates, highlights and postgame analysis from Caesars Superdome.
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