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 turf toe could push him out of the Saints' opener with Arizona, a matchup that now hinges on an injured interior and a shifted line. Turf toe usually heals in 4-6 weeks, placing Week 1 in doubt. If Penning sits, Dillon Radunz would slide into left guard with Kelvin Banks anchoring left tackle, a change that could temper the Saints' run game and give Arizona's revamped front a fault line to exploit. The Cards’ pressure potential heightens the fantasy stakes for Week 1, especially for Saints pass protection and short-yardage runs. Monitor Penning’s status closely, as any delay boosts Cardinals’ defensive upside and tightens Saints’ timing with a rookie QB scenario.

In this context, fantasy managers should reassess early-week plans. If Penning is out or limited, Notre Saints’ interior protection could waver, impacting Kamara’s early-season workload and the Saints’ pass rhythm. Arizona’s defensive front, refreshed this offseason, could apply more heat, elevating the floor for Cardinals’ defenders in streamer considerations. This situation also emphasizes the value of depth across the Saints’ line and backs—linemen stepping in could become pivotal in Week 1 game scripts and fantasy lineups.

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.

Saints preseason setback vs. Chargers exposes two recurring flaws: offensive line depth and lack of pass-catching upside behind Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed. New Orleans ran for 61 yards and allowed five sacks, with the starting intact only on the first drive. Shrough, Rattler, and Haener had to push the pace behind a shallow O-line, and Trevor Penning left with an injury, heightening concerns about interior protection. WR depth remains thin; Mason Tipton flashed but the group lacks a true late-depth threat beyond Olave and Shaheed, fueling chatter about veteran options.

Speculation swirls that Keenan Allen or Amari Cooper could land in New Orleans to stabilize the offense, while Brandin Cooks’ prior ties to the organization add intrigue. Bub Means’ injury status is uncertain, and Bub Means’ absence would further test the depth. If NO can pull in a proven veteran and fix OL depth, Olave’s target share could stay elite, with Shaheed scaling in big-play upside and Tipton fighting for real game-ready snaps. Jake Haener’s and Shough’s chances hinge on protection and a healthier WR corps, making the QB competition pivotal for fantasy forecasts.