Saints' Kellen Moore on Young's status: "He is week-to-week."

The New Orleans Saints will face the San Francisco 49ers without key defensive players Chase Young and Trevor Penning, both ruled out due to injuries.

Why it matters: The absence of both players significantly impacts the Saints’ roster depth and overall game strategy heading into a challenging matchup against the 49ers.

• With Young sidelined due to a calf injury, the Saints lose a pivotal edge rusher and run defender, weakening their ability to pressure quarterback Brock Purdy.
• Penning’s absence affects the offensive line's stability, particularly in protecting quarterback Derek Carr and establishing a strong running game.

What’s new: This marks the second consecutive game that both Young and Penning will miss, raising concerns about their long-term availability.

• Young has been classified as week-to-week by head coach Kellen Moore, indicating that his return timeline remains uncertain.
• Penning's injury occurred during the first preseason game, highlighting ongoing challenges in building continuity along the offensive front.

Yes, but: While the Saints will be without these key players, they have options to adjust their game plan.

• The coaching staff can look to other defensive linemen to step up in Young's absence, potentially shifting to more blitz packages to compensate for the lack of pressure on the edges.
• Offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael may emphasize quick passing schemes and short routes to minimize potential negative impacts from Penning's injury.

What to watch: As the Saints prepare for their game against the 49ers, keep an eye on the effectiveness of their replacements.

• Taliese Fuaga is currently listed as questionable due to a knee issue but returned to practice, which could bolster the offensive line if he plays.
• The performance of backup defenders stepping in for Young will also be critical in mitigating the loss of his pass-rushing capabilities.

The bottom line: The Saints face a crucial test against the 49ers with a depleted lineup.

• As they adapt to the absence of key contributors, how well they manage these injuries will likely dictate their chances of success in a highly competitive NFC matchup.