New Orleans Saints Lose Two Offensive Players to Season-Ending Injuries
The New Orleans Saints have lost Running Back Ty Chandler and Tight End Moliki Matavao to season-ending knee injuries. Both players went down during a preseason loss to the Los Angeles Rams, and now we know they will be unavailable for the whole season.
This adds to a growing list of sidelined offensive weapons in training camp. Star Running Back Alvin Kamara is currently recovering from a sprained MCL, while backups Devin Neal and Audric Estime are managing hamstring and ankle injuries.
Chandler And Matavao Out For Year
Chandler was in a strong position to earn significant carries in the backfield before his injury...because of the other backfield injuries. The former 5th Round Pick spent four seasons with the Minnesota Vikings before joining New Orleans, looking for a fresh start with his new team. He served as a depth running back and kick returner in Minnesota, where he averaged over 25 yards per kick return, and contributed nearly 1,000 scrimmage yards and 3 touchdowns.
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Matavao was fighting to establish himself as a depth piece on the active roster. As a 2025 7th Round Draft Pick of the Saints, he spent his entire rookie season hidden on the practice squad. But the team seemed to have a plan for him, even though he was likely to sit behind Juwan Johnson, Noah Fant, and Oscar Delp on the depth chart, before suffering his knee injury Saturday.
Saints Roster Replacement Strategy
New Orleans is already making moves to address the sudden depth chart gaps left by these injuries. The front office traded for Running Back Zamir White this week to reinforce the backfield.
The team will likely monitor available free agents to round out depth following the loss of Matavao. It wouldn't be shocking to see the Saints bring in some players who end up getting cut loose by other franchises at the end of the preseason.