The New Orleans Saints got some good news via their new head coach on Wednesday afternoon, following a notable admission from their mandatory minicamp practice.
Jonas Sanker dealing with minor injury
According to head coach Kellen Moore, rookie safety Jonas Sanker missed practice on Wednesday due to a "little minor thing" - rather than anything serious on the injury front.
"Yeah, he's okay. Just a little minor thing." -- Moore via Ross Jackson
This is great news for the Saints and their young safety. Sanker could play a role this season on defense as the team's third safety behind Tyrann Mathieu and Justin Reid. Not to mention, Sanker will almost assuredly have a major role on special teams.
Sanker's hard hit ability and knack for making plays on the football will earn him some sort of role in his first pro season. I'm pretty confident in that, and New Orleans needed the depth on the back end of Brandon Staley's unit.
Jonas Sanker is going to make Saints fans VERY happy.
Over the past two seasons:
- Over 200 tackles
- 12.5 TFL
- 16 passes defended
All great numbers, plus good instincts and athleticism. At his best playing downhill.
Loving that pick! pic.twitter.com/4UUhTny810— Brady Balhorn - BNB Football (@BnbFootball) April 26, 2025
It’s a very strong 2025 safety class, but Sanker is a very important part of that equation. At 206 pounds, Sanker ran a 4.48-second forty-yard dash and jumped well. He is an explosive downhill player that is experienced, and extremely productive. That should earn Sanker a slot on Day Two. -- Ryan Roberts
Sanker's versatility will be an important factor to his route to the field for New Orleans.
That's a calling card for Sanker as well. He played three different roles at Virginia when it comes to a notable amount of snaps on defense. Sanker's got experience in the slot, in the box, and as a free safety at the college level.
Luckily, it sounds like he'll be able to return to the practice field sooner than later for the Saints. His development will be something to watch over the course of this year.
