Saints face Jaguars in first joint practice as preseason strategy takes shape

The New Orleans Saints are set to host the Jacksonville Jaguars for their first joint practice of the 2026 training camp on Thursday in Metairie. The session marks a pivotal moment in the preseason schedule, with head coach Kellen Moore and defensive coordinator Brandon Staley viewing the encounter as a critical evaluation tool for the squad’s progress.

Moore described the joint practice as a necessary learning mechanism, allowing players to gain perspective from a different defensive angle. He noted that the Jaguars’ offensive schemes will present distinct challenges that differ from what the Saints’ own offense typically employs, providing a valuable opportunity for the defensive unit to test their command of assignments and technique against varied sets.

Staley echoed the sentiment, highlighting the session’s role in assessing player development. The coaching staff intends to use the extended time-on-task to gauge where the team stands relative to the remainder of training camp, using the data gathered to inform subsequent preparation strategies.

A primary structural advantage of the joint practice is the volume of repetitions available to the starting unit. Unlike standard preseason games where starter participation is often limited in the first week to mitigate injury risk, this session offers significantly more playing time for key personnel. Moore confirmed that the high number of reps in Thursday’s practice will directly influence the roster decisions for the upcoming Saturday preseason opener.

Consequently, most of the starting unit is expected to sit out the Saturday matchup. The specific lineup for the opener will be contingent on performance during Thursday’s session, with the coaching staff prioritising the developmental work over game-time statistics for the core players.