Ravens’ roster overhaul sets stage for Saints’ Week 2 test

The New Orleans Saints are set to travel to Baltimore for a Week 2 clash against the Ravens on Sunday, 20 September 2026, at M&T Bank Stadium. This fixture follows the Saints’ Week 1 opener in Detroit. The Ravens enter the contest with significant roster and coaching changes, including the appointment of Jesse Minter as head coach, the signing of running back Derrick Henry and pass rusher Trey Hendrickson, and key draft selections. Historically, Baltimore holds a dominant 75% all-time win record against New Orleans, highlighted by a 27-13 victory in 2022. The Saints’ 2026 season will be led by quarterback Tyler Shough.

The appointment of Jesse Minter as head coach marks a significant shift for the Ravens, following the departure of John Harbaugh. Minter, formerly the defensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers, takes over a franchise that has been a premier Super Bowl threat since the arrival of Lamar Jackson. The transition is expected to be challenging, with Minter facing the task of maintaining the team’s competitive edge while integrating new personnel.

Offensive dynamics have been reshaped by the addition of former Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry. In two seasons with the Ravens, Henry has recorded over 3,500 rushing yards and 32 touchdowns, adding a new dimension to an offense already built around speed and quarterback play. This follows the signing of former Cincinnati Bengals pass rusher Trey Hendrickson to a four-year, $112 million contract, bolstering the defensive line after a failed trade attempt to acquire Detroit Lions pass rusher Maxx Crosby, which fell through after Crosby did not pass a physical.

Defensive and special teams adjustments have also been made, including the extension of long snapper Nick Gray. Gray, entering his seventh season in Baltimore, signed a four-year, $6.4 million extension in January. The roster has seen movement at tight end, with former Ravens Isaiah Likely signing with the New York Giants, leading to an expected reliance on veteran Mark Andrews and the drafting of former SMU tight end Matthew Hibner in the 2026 NFL Draft.

The Saints’ challenge is compounded by Baltimore’s historical dominance. The Ravens won the most recent matchup in 2022, controlling the game on the ground and exploiting defensive vulnerabilities. For New Orleans, the game will be about keeping up with one of the NFL’s most physical teams. The outcome may hinge on the Saints’ ability to maintain discipline against option plays and establish a consistent run game, as the Ravens’ dynamic offense tests both talent and patience.