Full Breakdown
Season-Ending ACL Tear Sidelines Saints’ Versatile Lineman Dillon Radunz
8/10/2026, 12:12:37 AM
Core Event
During a recent training-camp practice, New Orleans Saints offensive lineman Dillon Radunz suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Head coach Kellen Moore announced that the injury will end Radunz’s 2026 season before it begins. The injury occurred after Radunz limped off during one-on-one drills and did not return to the session.
Background and Role
Radunz, a 28-year-old former second-round pick of the Tennessee Titans out of North Dakota State (selected in 2021), entered his second season with the Saints after re-signing to a two-year contract in March. He started ten of the fifteen games he played last season and appeared in all but two contests, providing depth at both guard and tackle. The 6-foot-6-inch lineman previously tore his ACL while with the Titans in 2022, returning the following year to start eleven games. His ability to fill multiple positions made him a valuable rotational piece in a relatively young offensive-line group.
Impact on the Offensive Line
Radunz’s loss removes one of the Saints’ most experienced reserves from the line. The team will need another backup to emerge during the preseason. Coaches have identified Jeremiah Wright, Torricelli Simpkins III, and Xavier Truss as players who could receive increased opportunities to replace the versatility Radunz provided. The injury follows a second ACL tear in camp this year, after defensive tackle Bryan Bresee also suffered the same injury earlier in the preseason.
Official Response
Coach Kellen Moore confirmed the season-ending nature of the injury in a practice-day briefing and noted that the team will assess other linemen to fill the gap. The Saints also reported that other players, such as safety Julian Blackmon and wide receiver Chris Olave, dealt with separate injuries but were expected to return to practice.
Outlook for the Roster
With Radunz unavailable, the Saints’ coaching staff will evaluate the depth chart throughout the preseason, giving the identified backups a chance to earn playing time. The team’s ability to maintain line stability will hinge on how quickly these substitutes can adapt to multiple positions along the offensive front.
