NO Ty Chandler
NFL running back. Position: RB. Team: New Orleans Saints.
Quick Facts
- Position: RB
- Team: NO (New Orleans Saints)
- Career: Spent first four seasons with Minnesota Vikings before joining Saints in 2026 offseason on one-year deal.
2026 Outlook
Chandler signed a one-year deal with the Saints entering 2026 after four seasons with the Vikings. He was projected to provide depth and change-of-pace support behind Travis Etienne Jr. and Alvin Kamara. However, a significant knee injury suffered during preseason Week 2 (Aug 22) against the Rams now threatens his 2026 availability. Initial evaluations suggest a potentially serious injury with extended recovery timeline. (per Report: Saints fear potentially serious knee injury for running back)
Role / Depth Chart
Reserve running back. Prior to injury, was competing for third-string opportunities behind Travis Etienne Jr. (primary starter) and Alvin Kamara (second back).
Injury Status
Preseason Week 2 knee injury (Aug 22): Chandler suffered a knee injury during the Saints' preseason loss to the Rams. The injury is feared to be serious, with recovery timeline expected to extend multiple weeks. Exact diagnosis pending further testing. Initial reports indicate he will be "down for a while" (per Report: Saints fear potentially serious knee injury for running back). HC Kellen Moore provided limited detail on Aug 24, confirming Chandler is expected to miss "extended time" but declining to specify severity or exact timetable (per NFL News: Saints lose promising cornerback to season-ending injury).
Context: Chandler dealt with a knee injury last season as well, missing 14 games before returning late in 2025. This 2026 injury raises durability concerns heading into a year where he was already competing for a reserve role. The repeated knee injuries suggest chronic fragility.
Recent News
- 2026-08-24 — Report: Saints fear potentially serious knee injury for running back (Report: Saints fear potentially serious knee injury for running back)
- 2026-08-24 — Saints add Zamir White after Ty Chandler knee injury (Report: Saints fear potentially serious knee injury for running back)
Open Questions
- What is the specific diagnosis for Ty Chandler's preseason knee injury?
- Will the knee injury require surgery or extended rehabilitation?
- How does this injury affect the Saints' RB depth given Kamara's MCL sprain and other backfield injuries?