The New Orleans Saints are facing many difficulties in dealing with injuries as both of their starting offensive guards Cesar Ruiz and Andrus Peat have been plagued by several detriments already. The franchise’s rookie draft pick Nick Saldiveri got hurt during offseason work and now their guard Trai Turner has also been added to the list.
The former standout at St. Augustine High School and LSU headed to the NFL after being drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the 3rd round of the 2014 NFL Draft. He signed a one-year deal with the Saints on Tuesday, albeit just three days later his participation in the upcoming season became shaky due to the potentially season-ending injury.
Saints G Trai Turner suffers season-ending quadriceps injury
On Friday, Turner was carted off the field at the Saints training camp after suffering a quad injury. The 30-year-old veteran was seen shaking his head as he was taken into the team’s facility. The franchise’s coach Dennis Allen stated after practice that they were looking into the severity of the injury.
ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter later reported the guard will miss the entire upcoming season with a tweet saying, “Former Pro Bowl guard Trai Turner, who just signed this week with the New Orleans Saints, tore his quadriceps and is out for the season, per source.”
Former Pro Bowl guard Trai Turner, who just signed this week with the New Orleans Saints, tore his quadriceps and is out for the season, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 28, 2023
After his first practice Wednesday, the footballer expressed gratitude for getting to continue his career in the city where he spent his childhood and played in high school as well as in the state where he played in college, per The Associated Press. Unfortunately, his happiness didn’t last long.
The 6-foot-3, 315-pounder was a five-time pro bowler with the Panthers from 2014-2019 and later spent one year with the Los Angeles Chargers, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Washington Commanders each before landing in New Orleans.
When will the Saints’ preseason start?
The Saints have announced the date and time of their preseason games in May 2023. They will host the defending champion Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, August 13 at 12:00 p.m. CT in their preseason opener match in the Caesars Superdome. Following that, the franchise will face the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, Aug. 20 at 6:05 p.m. CT. at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.
Derek Carr’s squad will close out the preseason after hosting the Houston Texans on Sunday, Aug. 27 at 7 p.m. CT. The team’s first two matches will be broadcast locally on FOX. Their third and final game is set to get a national broadcast.
After two decades of postseason droughts in the NFL, the Saints managed to ensure 14 playoff appearances and even grabbed a Lombardi trophy in their only Superbowl appearance. After going 7-10 and missing out on a playoff spot in 2022, many fans are expecting the team to bounce back in the league and bring another Championship trophy in the upcoming season.
Will the Saints be able to live up to the expectations? You can share your opinions with us in the comments.
