Saints at Lions: Week 1 Injury Report and Odds Point to a Pass
Detroit enters the opener with encouraging comments from Dan Campbell, while New Orleans listed three players out and Alvin Kamara questionable on Friday.
The matchup and offensive outlook
The New Orleans Saints visit the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on Sunday, September 13, for Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season. Kickoff is scheduled for noon CT, according to the Saints' game preview.
Detroit coach Dan Campbell expressed optimism about his veteran roster and its preparation. He also described the camp partnership between quarterback Jared Goff and offensive coordinator Drew Petzing positively. Those comments establish Campbell's outlook, but do not establish how efficiently Detroit will play against New Orleans.
Campbell noted that the Saints won four of their final five games in 2025 and identified Tyler Shough, Chris Olave, Travis Etienne Jr. and Juwan Johnson among the players Detroit respects. That finish provides context without establishing how the Saints will perform in this opener.
Friday's injury designations
New Orleans ruled out Cameron Jordan with a hamstring injury, Oscar Delp with a hamstring injury and Audric Estimé with a thigh injury. Kamara was listed as questionable with a knee issue after limited practices Wednesday and Thursday followed by full participation Friday. The supplied reporting does not confirm his game-day availability.
Detroit listed Christian Izien as questionable with a groin injury. Derrick Moore and Mekhi Wingo practiced fully Friday and had no game-status designation. Campbell also said Sione Vaki and Jacob Saylors would share the backup running back role behind Jahmyr Gibbs.