Saints slip to 0-2 after a 26-21 loss to San Francisco, stalling late on a critical fourth-and-2. Spencer Rattler guided New Orleans with three TD passes, but the comeback bid fell short as the defense allowed a late scoring drive. Kamara piled up 99 rushing yards, while Juwan Johnson, Rashid Shaheed, and Devaughn Vele each found the end zone. Penalties and a stout 49ers defense muddied the Saints’ chances, leaving fantasy managers weighing Week 3 faith in the offense.

Rattler finished 25-of-34 for 207 yards with 3 TDs and a fumble, Kamara carved out a reliable 99 yards on 21 carries with 6 receptions, and Shaheed plus Vele provided splash plays in a balanced attack. Demario Davis anchored the defense with 11 tackles as Carl Granderson added 2 sacks. The Saints head to Seattle hoping to rebound behind a hopeful offensive rhythm and improved red-zone execution.

Chase Young's calf tightness creates Week 1 doubt for the Saints, but his reply—Hell no—signals a quick return is likely. New Orleans will lean on Carl Granderson, Cameron Jordan and Chris Rumph II if he sits, with Fadil Diggs or Eku Leota on call-ups to bolster edge depth. Kyler Murray and the Cardinals pose an early test, making edge pressure and run fits crucial as the Saints shape their rotation this season.

Fantasy managers should monitor solidified roles and snap counts as Week 1 approaches. If Young plays, expect a high-ceiling front, but if he’s limited, depth players become speculative plays—keep an eye on practice updates and potential surprise elevations.

The Saints kicked off Week 1 of the 2025 preseason with a defense-first focus, rotating through backups on the edge as veterans rested. Chris Rumph II started at defensive end after the Saints’ top pass-rushers were held out, and a second-play offsides penalty briefly stalled the drive. New Orleans still forced a punt, thanks to Isaac Yiadom breaking up a pass from Taylor Heinicke on third down. The sequence underscored the Saints’ ongoing evaluation of depth pieces behind Cameron Jordan and Carl Granderson, with Isaiah Foskey in a tight battle for a roster spot.

Rumph II’s early audition is critical for fantasy managers eyeing Saint edge-waxers beyond the obvious anchors. Foskey’s continued development looms large for a pass-rush upside inshallah, particularly in dynasty leagues where cheap, role-based contributors can pay off. The Jets and Chargers previews aside, the Saints must decide who mans the edge when Jordan and Granderson rest—this game was a practical, data-filled test.

On the back end, Isaac Yiadom’s early breakups offered a hopeful note for a secondary eager to prove versatility. Heinicke’s aerial attempts gave the defense a live test, even if the drive produced limited long-term gains. Clean technique and consistent pressure will be the themes as New Orleans uses August to refine its depth and establish a clearer path to the 53-man roster, especially against teams like the Chargers who push the balance of run and pass in preseason contexts.

As the countdown to the New Orleans Saints' 2025 season opener continues with just 98 days remaining, a look back at players who have donned the No. 98 jersey reveals a lineage of defensive prowess. From Chris Rumph II, who currently wears the number, to notable past players like Payton Turner and Sheldon Rankins, this number has become synonymous with first-round defensive talent in the franchise’s history.

Notably, Sedrick Ellis was the top pick in 2008 to wear No. 98, establishing a legacy that future players like Rumph II hope to continue. Each player who has worn this jersey not only represents a number but also a commitment to the Saints' defensive line, making it a number to watch as the new season approaches.

Chris Rumph II, now with the New Orleans Saints, is a defensive end known for his past success at Duke where he was a freshman All-American. Despite a promising start, he's faced challenges in the NFL, tallying only 3.0 sacks over his first three seasons with the Chargers, largely due to injuries. At 6-foot-2 and 244 pounds, Rumph's size aligns with the Saints' shift to a more flexible 3-4 defensive scheme under Brandon Staley, who drafted him in 2021. With a salary cap hit of $1.1 million in 2025, his experience could be pivotal as he aims to secure a roster spot and contribute significantly to the Saints' defense.