The New Orleans Saints expect to return home to the Crescent City for the first time in over a month after they were displaced when Hurricane Ida ravished the Gulf Coast and knocked out power in the city of New Orleans.
The Saints cancelled their final preseason game and moved their entire operation to Houston initially where they continued preparations for the regular season. In the last couple of weeks, the Saints were sharing facilities with TCU in Fort Worth, Texas.
The Saints were slated for a home game at the New Orleans Superdome in Week 1 against the Green Bay Packers, but the NFL relocated the game to TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville. Despite the neutral field with a smattering of Packers fans in attendance, the Saints destroyed the Packers 38-3.
The Saints were scheduled for back-to-back road games in Week 2 at Carolina Panthers and Week 3 at New England Patriots, but they’ll return to New Orleans for Week 4 for a home game at the Superdome against the New York Giants.
Meanwhile, the Saints are trying to mitigate a COVID-19 outbreak among their coaching staff. At least seven offensive coaches tested positive for COVID-19 and a couple of players are also on the COVID-19 reserve list including Michael Thomas, who was banged up and on the PUP list anyway.
In addition, Pro Bowl cornerback Marshon Lattimore suffered a thumb injury and underwent surgery this week. He’s listed as questionable, but he’ll be a game-time decision to play in Week 2 against the Carolina Panthers. The Panthers are a home dog in Week 2 at +3.5 against the Saints.