Saints' Chandler out for the year with knee injury
New Orleans Saints running back Ty Chandler will miss the entire 2026 season due to a knee injury. Head coach Kellen Moore confirmed the news on Tuesday. The team will need to adjust its backfield depth.
The Saints' backfield now faces a significant reshuffling with Ty Chandler sidelined for the entire 2026 campaign. Chandler was expected to contribute to a running back rotation that will need other players to absorb his carries and pass-protection duties. Head coach Kellen Moore's confirmation on Tuesday signals that the team's coaching staff must now evaluate its remaining options during the offseason and training camp period. Knee injuries of this severity often require extensive rehabilitation, and the Saints will likely explore both internal development and external additions to maintain depth at the position. The timing of the announcement, coming before the regular season, gives the organization some flexibility in adjusting its roster plans.
This injury could affect the Saints' offensive production and game-planning throughout the season, potentially impacting team performance and playoff aspirations. Fans may see altered expectations for the running game, while fantasy football participants who drafted Chandler would need to pivot to other options. The broader NFL community may also reflect on the inherent physical risks players face, as a single play can alter a career trajectory and a team's competitive outlook for an entire year.