Saints' Kellen Moore on Blackmon's injury: "A bummer for him, played great on Sunday."

The New Orleans Saints are facing a significant setback as safety Julian Blackmon is likely out for the season due to a shoulder injury.

Why it matters: The loss of Blackmon, who had just signed with the Saints during training camp, poses a critical challenge to the team's defensive depth and strategy.

• Blackmon's presence was expected to bolster a secondary that is crucial for executing the Saints' defensive scheme, primarily relying on a 4-3 alignment that emphasizes solid safety play.

What’s new: Coach Kellen Moore confirmed that Blackmon’s injury is serious, stating it “will be a long one, potentially for the full season.”

• This development comes after Blackmon played every snap in the Saints’ recent loss to the Arizona Cardinals, indicating he was performing at a high level before the injury.

Yes, but: The team remains optimistic about finding a suitable replacement.

• With Jordan Howden currently sidelined due to an oblique injury, the Saints may look to rookie Jonas Sanker to step up and fill the void left by Blackmon’s absence.

By the numbers: Blackmon recorded 57 tackles last season, demonstrating his capacity to contribute defensively.

• His injury underscores the physical toll of the NFL; Kellen Moore noted how adrenaline can mask injuries during games, complicating immediate assessments of player health.

What to watch: The Saints ability to adapt their defensive game plan will be crucial moving forward.

• With potential replacements still adjusting, expect Moore to explore different combinations in the secondary as the team prepares for upcoming matchups.

The bottom line: The Saints face an uphill battle without Blackmon, a player they hoped would stabilize their defense.

• As the season progresses, how they address this injury could determine their success and competitiveness in a challenging division.