Two teams, one swap: Khalen Saunders leaves New Orleans for Jacksonville, and Luke Fortner arrives in return, reshaping the Saints’ interior depth. Fortner, 27, started for the Jaguars over the last two seasons and logged over 2,400 snaps in 2022-23, though his 2024 role waned. His arrival gives New Orleans a potential centerDepth option behind Erik McCoy as the club navigates injuries along the line.

New Orleans has been hit by illness and roster instability, with Will Clapp season-ending and both Cesar Ruiz and Trevor Penning managing bumps. The Saints eyed free agent centers, eventually signing Mike Panasiuk after a preseason look behind Torriceli Simpkins III. Panasiuk’s penalty in one outing could spur continued experimentation, including moving Simpkins to guard as Penning and Ruiz work back. More updates are expected as the depth chart takes shape.

Trevor Penning’s latest update is a clear win for the Saints’ long-term plans. A foot injury sidelined him briefly, but the fortitude shown in his guard transition is undeniable. The timetable suggests only a few weeks out, giving Penning time to regroup while New Orleans shuffles interior line duties. The concern isn’t just Penning’s health; depth behind him at guard remains unproven, making the next preseason games crucial for rotation and continuity. Erik McCoy’s veteran mentorship has already helped Penning adapt, potentially smoothing the return and stabilizing run and pass protection once he’s back on the field.

Fantasy-minded observers should note that Penning’s absence could hip the Saints’ run game and quarterback protection in the near term. If the backups struggle, expect more pressure on the backfield and less explosive blocking for Kamara and the Saints’ interior sets. When Penning returns to guard, the interior push and improved communication with McCoy could elevate the unit quickly, restoring balance to both the ground and air attack. Staying patient through the next two preseason games and monitoring depth options will be key for early-season projections.

The Saints added Mike Panasiuk to bolster center depth after a spate of o-line injuries, testing him at practice Monday in a No. 61 jersey. Panasiuk, who earned All-XFL and All-UFL honors with St. Louis Battlehawks, shifted from defensive tackle in college to center in the pros, and has spent time with the Raiders, Panthers and Colts. New Orleans needed interior help after Erik McCoy’s backup situation soured and Will Clapp’s season-ending injury, with Nick Saldiveri out at guard and Landon Young facing left-tackle questions. Panasiuk came through a workout with veterans Cody Whitehair, Scott Quessenberry and Nick Harris as part of a broader depth evaluation.

The group at practice underscored New Orleans’ urgency to stabilize the center position as preseason injuries mount, with Panasiuk’s versatility and late-start snapping background offering a unique floor and ceiling. While not a blockbuster signing on the official wire, it signals the club’s willingness to explore unconventional paths to protect the quarterback and keep the run game functional. Fantasy angles remain speculative in the near term, but Panasiuk’s arrival could matter if injuries persist or if he shows enough snaps to become a trusted depth option.

Panasiuk’s XFL/UFL pedigree and spring-league success bring a veteran voice to a shifting interior line. His presence adds another body that can swing between spots across the line, potentially easing the burden on McCoy and Penning as the Saints sort out guard and center combinations. The Saints’ willingness to test multiple shapes of depth at a single practice suggests further roster moves could follow, particularly if Panasiuk earns any snaps this preseason.

The New Orleans Saints offensive line's latest ranking has sparked questions about its overall effectiveness heading into the new NFL season. According to Pro Football Focus, the Saints find themselves at a disappointing 22nd place, indicating they are still perceived as one of the weaker units in the league despite significant investments in talent over recent years.

With four former first-round picks on the roster, the potential is there for improvement, but recent performance has left much to be desired. The standout among these picks may actually be a non-first-rounder, demonstrating that talent isn't solely defined by draft status. The pressure is mounting on players like Trevor Penning and Erik McCoy to meet expectations and elevate this unit's performance.