Saints Guard Dillon Radunz Out for Season Following Torn ACL in Practice

New Orleans Saints guard Dillon Radunz will miss the remainder of the season after tearing his ACL during one-on-one drills.

New Orleans Saints guard Dillon Radunz is officially out for the season after sustaining a torn ACL during Saturday's practice session in Metairie, Louisiana. Coach Kellen Moore confirmed the diagnosis following an incident where the offensive lineman limped off the field during one-on-one offensive and defensive line drills. The injury occurred toward the beginning of the practice session, and Radunz did not return to the field for the remainder of the day.

Radunz, who joined the Saints roster last year, served as a vital component of the team's depth, starting 10 games during the previous season. His absence marks a significant blow to the offensive line rotation as the team continues its camp preparations. This development makes Radunz the second Saints player to suffer a season-ending knee ligament tear this summer, following defensive tackle Bryan Bresee, who tore his ACL at the start of camp.

Defensive Line and Roster Availability Updates

In addition to the loss of Radunz, defensive end Cameron Jordan was absent from Sunday's practice due to a hamstring issue. According to Moore, the injury originated during Thursday's session. While the head coach did not disclose the specific severity of the hamstring strain, he noted that Jordan is currently in the process of gathering more information regarding the ailment. Jordan had previously missed Saturday's practice for non-injury reasons.

Safety Julian Blackmon provided a positive update for the secondary, returning to the field on Sunday. Blackmon had briefly exited Saturday's practice session citing a knee injury but was able to participate in the following day's activities. The defensive unit continues to adjust as multiple starters manage various health concerns during the August schedule.

Return of Key Starters to Metairie

Running back Alvin Kamara and long-snapper Zach Wood both rejoined the team for Sunday's practice after being excused on Saturday. The duo, along with Cameron Jordan, traveled to attend the enshrinement of former Saints quarterback Drew Brees into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Their return stabilizes the special teams and backfield units as the team transitions into the next phase of training.

Wide receiver Chris Olave also participated in Sunday's practice as a normal contributor. During Saturday's drills, Olave was sidelined to be evaluated by athletic trainers for an apparent wrist issue. Despite the evaluation, he was cleared to return to the field by the end of that same practice, where he successfully caught a pass before the session concluded.

Training Camp Injury Trends

The Saints' medical staff has been active early in this camp cycle, managing two major ACL reconstructions for Radunz and Bresee. The offensive line depth will be tested without Radunz's 10-game starting experience from the prior year. Coach Kellen Moore and the coaching staff are now tasked with filling the void left by the veteran guard while monitoring the recovery timelines of Julian Blackmon and Chris Olave, both of whom avoided long-term absences following their respective scares during weekend drills.