Trevor

Penning

Underhill didn’t put a timeline on Penning’s injury but did note that players typically need 4-6 weeks to recover from this type of issue. That would make Penning unlikely to suit up for Week 1, though it’s possible his timeline is shorter. Penning is making the transition from tackle to guard this year, and early reports from training camp were positive. The lost practice reps may be even more detrimental to Penning than a missed game.

Saints first-round rookie OT Kelvin Banks Jr. is already taking repetitions at left tackle, which pushes last year’s first-round pick and starting left tackle Taliese Fuaga over to the right tackle position. Penning, who manned the right tackle spot last year, will now evidently kick inside to left guard. Penning has failed to developed into a reliable pass protector through three NFL seasons but respectably earned a 70.1 PFF run-blocking grade last season. The Saints’ offensive line is rounding into form as an above-average unit.

Olave will make $15.5 in 2026 while on the option. That is, if the Saints don’t extend him before then. Even though he is under for two more seasons, the 2025 campaign looks like a make-or-break year for Olave. The former Buckeye has struggled with injuries, primarily concussions, and peaked at 1,123 yards two seasons ago. Saints GM Mickey Loomis noted that offensive tackle Trevor Penning will not have his fifth-year option exercised. Penning has struggled as a starter at left and right tackle through three seasons. He is likely fated for swing-tackle duties in the future. The move also makes New Orleans taking a tackle with the No. 9 overall pick a strong possibility.

He’ll have a three-week window to get ready, but he was already spotted by Saints reporters at practice on Thursday. It’s probably too much to ask to get him ready for Week 10, but Week 11 could be plausible. James Hurst has actually been a solid replacement for Penning and might move inside to guard whenever Penning returns, as Andrus Peat is both hurt and has struggled when he’s actually played.

Penning suffered his injury in the Saints preseason finale and was placed on IR soon after. Set to miss a minimum of four games, a return in November would put Penning closer to eight to 10 games missed. Expected to earn a starting job in camp, the loss of Penning is a big one for the Saints. While the news of an impending return is encouraging, we’re still a long way off from knowing when he could actually return to action.

Penning will miss a minimum of four games, but it’s likely to be a much longer stay on I.R. for the 19th overall pick. He suffered a torn ligament in his foot in the preseason finale. The Saints will start LT James Hurst and RT Ryan Ramczyk on their line.

This may be the best-case scenario for the Saints, as this had the looks of a long-term injury. Penning is still likely to miss time, with his Week 1 status against the Falcons looking in doubt. With LT James Hurst (foot) also sidelined, the health of the Saints’ offensive line is a concern going into the season.

It was initially believed Penning was dealing with a case of turf toe, but the MRI revealed more, and he needs surgery. Penning is now a candidate to open the season on I.R. or potentially miss the season entirely. The 19th overall pick back in April, Penning was pegged to open the year as the swing tackle behind LT James Hurst and RT Ryan Ramczyk.

Penning was injured on a goal-line run where TE Juwan Johnson crashed into the back of his legs. The first-round rookie limped off the field before getting carted off. The Saints would likely turn to James Hurst, who has been sidelined with a foot injury, if Penning misses time.

Another way to frame this is: journeyman backup lineman James Hurst was getting the first-team reps over first-round OT Trevor Penning. Hurst did play fairly well in pass protection last year, with a 76.9 PFF pass block grade in 516 pass blocking snaps. It’s way too early to use this to pass judgement on Penning, and this could just be a situation where the rookie passes up the vet later in camp, but it’s notable that Penning hasn’t earned a first-team spot yet.