Zach Wilson, Spencer Rattler attempting to solidify backup quarterback spot for New Orleans Saints

"Both those guys are playing some good ball"

Aug 21, 2026 at 03:06 PM

Senior Writer

CP-Saints-QB-Shough-Rattler-Wilson-2026-082126

Marina del Rey, Calif. – Some names will change for the New Orleans Saints' second preseason game, even as the mission remains the same.

When the Saints face the Los Angeles Chargers on Saturday at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif., New Orleans will rest its starters for a second straight preseason game. After joint practices against the Cowboys (Aug. 18) and Rams (Aug. 20) this week in California, where the starters logged heavy workloads, New Orleans' frontliners are expected to spend Saturday observing and mentoring. The reps they received Tuesday and Thursday likely dwarfed what they would have been asked to provide Saturday.

But injuries and performance may have shifted the roles for some in this preseason game.

For instance, quarterback Zach Wilson, who has been No. 3 behind starter Tyler Shough and Spencer Rattler this offseason and entering the preseason opener, played well enough against Jacksonville (11 of 16 for 145 yards and a touchdown) that he earned snaps with the second-team offense in the Rams joint practice. He could open the preseason game at quarterback, after Rattler (8 of 11 for 42 yards) started the first preseason game.

"Both those guys are playing some good ball," Coach Kellen Moore said, while not revealing which quarterback will start Saturday. "Just timing of the game, mix and match — we'll just kind of talk through the rotations of everyone. Our focus was really this practice and then (Thursday) afternoon, we'll kind of get into what's the game is going to look like for everyone."

Receiver Bub Means will likely open on offense with whomever is chosen. He started the preseason opener and posted game highs in receptions (four) and receiving yards (77), including three catches for 79 yards from Wilson in the second quarter. Also, we could see the preseason debut of rookie receiver Bryce Lance, who didn't play against Jacksonville but impressed in joint practices this week.

Running backs Kendre Miller and Devin Neal, who both missed the preseason opener as they returned from injuries, are available and it's good timing for each. Travis Etienne Jr. (starter who'll rest), Alvin Kamara (injured knee in the practice against Dallas) and Audric Estimé (injured ankle in preseason game against Jacksonville) won't play. It's a deep, talented room, but the initial game day roster might have an extra slot if Kamara's recovery spills into the regular season as expected.

There'll be nothing new about rookie Jeremiah Wright starting the game at right guard; he started the opener and when Cesar Ruiz left Thursday's practice with a minor injury, he stepped in with the starters. Wright has a chance to show noticeable improvement because of Thursday's high-quality reps and he has the preseason game, plus three joint practices, as reference material.

Cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. extended his notable string of performances against Jacksonville (three pass breakups) and because Quincy Riley injured his groin in practice against Dallas and won't play Saturday, Emerson, who started against Jacksonville and played with the 1s against the Rams on Thursday, possibly will not play due to his status as a starter.

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Isaac Yiadom should start at cornerback again, but his teammate at the position may well be rookie TJ Hall Jr., the Saints' seventh-round draft pick this year. Injuries to Riley and Dalys Beanum (left Thursday's workout with an injury after intercepting a pass) and the possible rest day for Emerson mean Hall's snap count could increase. Cornerback Jayden Price will be on the field, too. The star position agrees with him (an interception and two passes defensed against the Jaguars), but it won't hurt to stack another positive showing on top of that.

Expect to see Danny Stutsman at linebacker (he didn't play against Jacksonville, but lined up with the starters on Thursday while Kaden Elliss was given a rest day) and another rookie draft pick, safety Lorenzo Styles Jr., will be on the field in the secondary and on special teams.

And speaking of special teams, Moore and his staff may take a closer look at some other kick returners after Ty Chandler had an 86-yard return against Jacksonville. If coaches don't yet want to see what Barion Brown offers as an NFL player — after Brown returned six kickoffs for touchdowns in college — Trey Palmer and Miller may get some looks against the Rams.

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Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams during 2026 Training Camp presented by Rouses Markets at Rams Village at Warner Center in Woodland Hills, California, on Thursday, August 20.