🚨 JUST IN: Saints OT Trevor Penning Faces Crushing Setback — Head Coach Kellen Moore Shares Heartbreaking News
In a stunning and deeply disappointing turn for the New Orleans Saints, head coach Kellen Moore has confirmed that starting offensive tackle Trevor Penning will miss the entirety of the upcoming NFL season due to a severe injury sustained during training camp. The announcement comes as a major blow to the Saints’ offensive line and their hopes for a strong playoff push in 2025.
Speaking to reporters this morning, Moore described the decision as “heartbreaking” and acknowledged the massive impact it will have on both the team’s plans and Penning’s personal career trajectory. “This is one of the toughest conversations I’ve had as a coach,” Moore said. “Trevor is an incredibly hard worker, one of the toughest guys on this roster, and to see his season taken away before it even starts is devastating for all of us.”
While the team did not initially provide specifics, multiple sources close to the situation have indicated that Penning suffered a significant lower leg injury during a full-contact practice drill earlier this week. Early hopes for a partial-season return were dashed after further evaluations revealed the severity of the damage. Surgery is reportedly scheduled for later this week, with a lengthy rehabilitation process expected to follow.
For Penning, 2025 was shaping up to be a pivotal season. Drafted 19th overall in 2022, the 6-foot-7, 325-pound lineman had steadily developed into a cornerstone of the Saints’ offensive front. Known for his aggressive blocking style and high motor, he was projected to anchor the left tackle position in Moore’s first year as head coach. The injury now sidelines him for the third time in his young career, raising concerns about his long-term durability.
“This league is about overcoming adversity, but some moments just hit harder,” veteran guard Cesar Ruiz said when asked about Penning’s absence. “We’re going to rally around him, keep him involved, and make sure he knows he’s still a huge part of what we’re building here.”
The Saints’ front office now faces the immediate challenge of reconfiguring their offensive line. With Penning unavailable, backup James Hurst is expected to slide into the starting role, while the team is reportedly exploring both free-agent options and potential trade targets to add depth. Protecting quarterback Derek Carr will be a top priority, particularly in a season where the Saints are seeking redemption after narrowly missing the playoffs last year.
Despite the grim news, Moore expressed confidence in his team’s resilience. “We can’t replace Trevor — there’s only one of him,” Moore said. “But this is the NFL. It’s the next man up mentality. Our guys are ready to step in, and we’re going to keep fighting for our goals this season.”
For Trevor Penning, the focus now shifts to recovery and returning stronger in 2026. For the Saints, the road ahead just got steeper — but as Moore emphasized, the mission remains the same: compete, adapt, and keep the faith.
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