Alontae Taylor’s groin injury and timing create immediate slot for Saints’ depth. Taylor will miss practice reps in a new system, elevating Kool-Aid McKinstry, Isaac Yiadom, and rookie Quincy Riley in nickel packages. Mason Pline and Will Clapp are out for the season, while Trevor Penning and J.T. Gray join the return queue, leaving Rico Payton and others to push for roster spots. The Saints’ nickel/dime approach could tilt toward more early-season opportunities for Payton and Riley if Taylor’s recovery stalls.