The New Orleans Saints face one of the NFL’s most difficult assignments when they travel to Baltimore for Sunday’s Week 2 matchup: containing quarterback Lamar Jackson without allowing running back Derrick Henry to control the game.

On this edition of The Sports Coma, Big Q breaks down the Saints’ defensive plan for Jackson, the importance of maintaining disciplined rushing lanes and every major development from Thursday’s injury report.

Watch Big Q’s Complete Breakdown

Saints Want to Keep Lamar Jackson in the Pocket

The central part of New Orleans’ strategy is attempting to keep Jackson inside the pocket.

That sounds simple, but Jackson’s combination of speed, vision and passing ability makes him extremely difficult to contain. Defensive coordinator Brandon Staley’s unit must pressure him without opening escape lanes that allow him to turn a broken play into a long run.

The Saints’ defensive front must work together instead of recklessly chasing sacks. Edge defenders need to maintain outside leverage, interior linemen must keep Jackson from stepping into open running lanes and the linebackers must remain disciplined against Baltimore’s option concepts.

Jackson is dangerous from the pocket, but allowing him to consistently escape creates an even greater challenge for the defense.

Saints linebacker Kaden Elliss and defensive lineman Davon Godchaux both addressed the difficulty of preparing for Jackson and Derrick Henry ahead of the game. Head coach Kellen Moore also discussed the problems Jackson creates for a defense during his Week 2 media availability.

Derrick Henry Complicates the Game Plan

The Saints cannot devote their entire defense to Jackson because Baltimore also features one of football’s most physically imposing running backs.

Henry forces defenses to commit additional players near the line of scrimmage. When defenders become overly aggressive toward Henry, Jackson can keep the football, attack the perimeter or exploit favorable coverage through the air.

New Orleans must set firm edges, tackle cleanly and avoid giving Baltimore easy early-down yardage. If the Ravens consistently reach second-and-short or third-and-short, their complete playbook remains available.

Creating long-yardage situations would give Staley more freedom to disguise coverages and pressure Jackson.

Saints’ Thursday Injury Report

Nine Saints appeared on the official Thursday report.

Did Not Practice

• Isaiah Stalbird, linebacker — Shoulder
• Zach Wood, long snapper — Calf
• Davon Godchaux, defensive line — Rest

Godchaux’s absence was rest-related, but Stalbird missed his second consecutive practice. Wood’s calf injury is expected to keep him sidelined, forcing the Saints to make an adjustment at long snapper.

Limited Participation

• Juwan Johnson, tight end — Illness
• Oscar Delp, tight end — Hamstring
• Cameron Jordan, edge — Hamstring
• Chris Olave, wide receiver — Hamstring
• Chase Young, edge — Calf

Johnson improved after missing Wednesday’s practice. Jordan and Delp remained limited for the second consecutive day.

Olave and Young were new additions Thursday, making their Friday participation important to monitor. Olave is coming off a career-best 182-yard performance against Detroit, while Young is a key part of the Saints’ plan for keeping Jackson contained.

Full Participation

• Alvin Kamara, running back — Knee

Kamara practiced fully for the second consecutive day and will make his 2026 season debut against Baltimore. The franchise’s all-time rushing leader missed the opener while recovering from a knee sprain but has declared himself ready to play without limitations.

Kamara joins Travis Etienne Jr. and Kendre Miller in what could become a versatile three-man backfield.

Ravens Also Dealing With Injuries

Baltimore had several important players remain out of practice Thursday.

Wide receiver Zay Flowers, outside linebacker Trey Hendrickson, guard John Simpson, offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley and cornerback T.J. Tampa were all listed as nonparticipants.

Flowers’ hamstring injury is especially important after his 150-yard performance in Baltimore’s season-opening victory. Stanley and Simpson’s absences also bear watching because of their importance to the Ravens’ offensive line.

Major Questions Ahead of Sunday

Big Q examines the questions that could determine the outcome:

• Can the Saints keep Jackson inside the pocket?
• Can New Orleans contain Henry without sacrificing coverage?
• Will Jordan and Young be healthy enough to maintain the edge?
• How serious is Olave’s new hamstring issue?
• What will Kamara’s return add to the Saints’ offense?
• Can New Orleans avoid the turnovers that hurt the team in Detroit?

The Saints enter Baltimore as underdogs, but their explosive second-half performance against Detroit showed that they can compete offensively. Winning Sunday will require a disciplined defensive performance and another strong game from Tyler Shough.

Watch the complete discussion and leave your Saints-Ravens score prediction in the comments.

Saints vs. Ravens Week 2 Full Preview: Can New Orleans Shock Baltimore?

Sources

Saints official Thursday injury report

Alvin Kamara ready to make his season debut

Kellen Moore discusses Lamar Jackson

Kaden Elliss discusses Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry