On the same day they received season-altering news about offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr., the New Orleans Saints got encouraging news about a defensive contributor. Martin Emerson Jr., who has played 16 snaps and recorded five tackles in 2026, suffered a shoulder injury and is day-to-day, according to head coach Kellen Moore.
The veteran cornerback exited Sunday's 24-17 win over the Baltimore Ravens and did not return. He suffered the injury while making a tackle in the second quarter and initially remained on the sideline before eventually heading into the locker room for further evaluation.
Being labeled day-to-day gives Emerson a chance to play when the Saints host the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 3. His participation in practice throughout
the week should provide a clearer indication of his availability on Sunday.
Emerson has played in both games for New Orleans after earning a roster spot during training camp. His early-season role, though limited to fewer than 20 snaps, has been encouraging, given he missed the entire 2025 season with a ruptured Achilles.
If Emerson cannot play against Las Vegas, it'd hurt the team's secondary depth, though Quincy Riley and Kool-Aid McKinstry have made early-season contributions. New Orleans could also lean more heavily on young standout Jayden Price and its other reserve defensive backs. The team will release its first Week 3 injury report on Wednesday; for now, the day-to-day designation suggests that Emerson won't miss significant time.
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Saints share positive injury update on veteran CB Martin Emerson Jr.
