The New Orleans Saints fell to the Jacksonville Jaguars 24-20 during their 2026 NFL preseason opener on August 14 at the Caesars Superdome. The matchup occurred following a joint practice held the previous Thursday involving top players from both teams.
Zach Wilson had a significant impact for the Jaguars, completing 11 of 16 passes for 145 yards and a touchdown. Reserve quarterback Spencer Rattler finished with eight completions on 11 attempts for 42 yards and a lost fumble. Hunter Dekkers played the final 8:27 of the game, finishing 8 of 15 for 69 yards before an incomplete pass ended a potential game-winning drive.
Saints kicker Tanner Brown contributed a 49-yard field goal in the second quarter and a 29-yard field goal to end the first half, while Charlie Smyth missed a 52-yard attempt. Rookie tight end Oscar Delp scored a 1-yard touchdown pass from Wilson, following a 27-yard reception by Bub Means. Means finished the game with four catches for 77 yards, while rookie Barion Brown recorded four catches for 53 yards.
The Saints defense recorded four total sacks, including two from edge player Michael Heldman. Linebackers Jaylan Ford and defensive back Jayden Price each recorded an interception. Audric Estime scored the game's first points on a 9-yard run 21 seconds into the contest but left the game in the second quarter following a hit on a reception.
The Saints are scheduled to travel to the Los Angeles area on Monday. Their upcoming schedule includes joint practices against the Dallas Cowboys on Tuesday and the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday, followed by a preseason game against the Rams at SoFi Stadium on Saturday.
