Saints Fear Season-Ending Knee Injury for RB Ty Chandler
Saints Worried Running Back Ty Chandler May Have Seriously Hurt His Knee
What Happened?
During a preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams, New Orleans Saints running back Ty Chandler went down with what looks like a bad knee injury. Reporter Nick Underhill shared the news, saying the team is "concerned" it could be serious.
Important Point
The Saints are still doing tests (like MRIs and X-rays) to know exactly what’s wrong. But early signs suggest Chandler could miss a lot of time this season.
Who Is Ty Chandler?
Think of Ty Chandler as a player who’s been working his way up the NFL ladder:
- Age: 28 years old
- College: University of North Carolina
- Drafted: 5th round (pick #169) in 2022 by the Minnesota Vikings
- First Contract: 4 years, $4 million (standard rookie deal)
- 2025 Season with Vikings: Played only 3 games
- 17 carries for 47 yards (averaging 2.8 yards per carry)
- 3 catches for 11 yards
- Current Status: Signed a 1-year deal with the Saints this offseason as a free agent (meaning he could choose any team)
What Does "Preseason" Mean?
ELI5 Explanation:
Before the real NFL season starts, teams play practice games called the preseason. These don’t count toward wins/losses, but players use them to:
- Show coaches they deserve a roster spot
- Get back into game shape
- Test new plays
Bad news: Injuries in these "practice games" count just the same as real ones.
What Happens Next? (Step by Step)
- More Testing — Doctors will run MRI scans and other imaging to see exactly which part of the knee is damaged
- Official Diagnosis — The team will announce the specific injury (ACL tear? MCL sprain? Meniscus tear?)
- Treatment Plan — Could be surgery, rehab, or both
- Timeline Estimate — Doctors will give a best-guess return date
- Roster Move — Saints will likely sign another running back to replace Chandler while he’s out
Why This Matters for the Saints
| Concern | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Depth at Running Back | Losing a backup means less rest for the starter, more injury risk for everyone |
| Special Teams | Chandler played on kick/punt coverage — now they need someone else |
| Salary Cap | They signed him for 1 year — if he’s out all year, that money is spent with no production |
| Locker Room | Teammates hate seeing guys get hurt in "meaningless" games |
Summary
- Ty Chandler, Saints running back, likely suffered a serious knee injury in a preseason game vs. Rams
- Tests are underway — official diagnosis coming soon
- Expected to miss significant time — possibly the whole season
- Journeyman player — 28-year-old on his 2nd team, fighting for a roster spot
- Saints must now adjust — sign a replacement, reshuffle depth chart
FAQ
What’s the difference between a preseason game and a regular season game?
Preseason games are practice games (3 per team) that don’t count in standings. Regular season games (17 per team) determine playoff spots. But injuries happen in both.
What does "unrestricted free agent" mean?
A player whose contract ended and can sign with any team without their old team getting compensation. Chandler chose the Saints.
What are common knee injuries in football?
- ACL tear — usually season-ending, needs surgery
- MCL sprain — often heals without surgery, 4–8 weeks
- Meniscus tear — varies; some play through it, others need scope surgery
How do teams replace injured players mid-season?
They can: (1) Promote from practice squad, (2) Sign a free agent, (3) Make a trade, or (4) Move someone from another position.
Why do teams play preseason games if players get hurt?
Coaches need to evaluate bottom-of-roster players (like Chandler) in real game situations. There’s no perfect substitute for live tackling.
Source: Nick Underhill (New Orleans Saints beat reporter) via X/Twitter. Original reporting by NFLTradeRumors.co.