Penning has been managing injuries and remains a key piece on the Saints’ left tackle side. Fortner’s arrival and Ruiz/Penin injury status intersect with Penning’s development as New Orleans navigates a crowded, injury-affected interior and perimeter.

Penning's turf toe threatens his Week 1 status, forcing a potential interior shift for New Orleans. His absence would push Dillon Radunz into left guard with Kelvin Banks at left tackle, altering interior blocking and run lanes while testing the Saints' early-season protection and short-pass timing.

Trevor Penning moved to guard after entering the league as a tackle, and his early interior play has drawn praise from Saints coaches. An injury to his foot sidelined him for a brief period, delaying his full integration at guard. His return will be a keystone for interior protection and run-blocking pecking order; his health and the depth behind him will shape the Saints’ early-season blocking stability.

Penning’s preseason workload has kept him in the mix at left guard, with left tackle issues also present. Panasiuk’s test and the veteran workout add depth alternatives, signaling that the Saints will test multiple combinations while Penning continues to develop and earn time.

Penning’s injury heightens concern about interior OL depth. His continued absence threatens protection and run lanes, impacting the NO offense’s consistency and QB timing. His health is pivotal for the Week 1 projection as backup guards must step up.