Breaking news: Saints Saints WR Jordyn Tyson, LT Kelvin Banks both return to practice

Saints Receive Major Boost as Tyson, Banks Return to Practice

METAIRIE, La. The New Orleans Saints opened the practice window for two key starters on Wednesday, as rookie wide receiver Jordyn Tyson and left tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. both returned to the field at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center ahead of Sunday’s matchup against the Cleveland Browns. Both players were listed as limited participants, but their presence represents a significant step forward for a 2-5 team looking to climb back into the NFC South race.

Tyson Nears NFL Debut

Tyson, the No. 8 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, has yet to take a regular-season snap after suffering a hamstring injury during an August joint practice with the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Saints officially designated him to return from injured reserve, opening a 21-day window for the Arizona State product to be activated. Head coach Kellen Moore said Monday that the team was still evaluating whether Wednesday was the right time to bring Tyson and others back, but the decision was made to get him on the practice field. The rookie’s return comes at an opportune time for a passing game that has relied heavily on Chris Olave. Olave is on pace to surpass 1,500 receiving yards, but the Saints have lacked a reliable second option opposite him. Tyson impressed throughout training camp before the injury, showcasing the contested-catch ability that made him a top-ten selection.

“It’s exciting to have him back out there,” Moore said. “We’ll take it day by day and see where he’s at.”

Tyson’s availability for Sunday remains uncertain. The Saints have three weeks to decide whether to activate him to the 53-man roster, and a debut against Cleveland has not been ruled out . However, given the two-month layoff, a limited snap count would be the most likely scenario even if he suits up.

Banks Ahead of Schedule

Perhaps the more surprising development is the return of Banks, who underwent ankle surgery in September and was initially reported to be out indefinitely, with a best-case return targeted for mid-December. The second-year left tackle practiced for the first time since suffering a high-ankle sprain in Week 2 against the Baltimore Ravens, putting him more than a month ahead of schedule. Banks’ absence has been felt acutely. Backup left tackle Asim Richards has struggled in pass protection, often left isolated without tight-end or running-back help. The Saints’ offensive line has been a weak point for much of the season, and getting their franchise tackle back could stabilize the protection in front of quarterback Tyler Shough. New Orleans now has a two-week window to activate Banks from injured reserve . If he proves ready, he could reclaim his starting role immediately.

What It Means for Sunday

The returns come as the Saints prepare to host a Browns team dealing with its own quarterback uncertainty. Deshaun Watson entered concussion protocol this week, potentially opening the door for Shedeur Sanders to start. For New Orleans, the immediate impact of Tyson and Banks may be limited. Neither is guaranteed to play Sunday, and both will need to knock off rust after extended absences. But the trajectory is clear: the Saints are getting healthier at the right time.

With the NFC South remaining wide open despite the Saints’ losing record, the returns of a top-ten rookie receiver and a starting left tackle could provide the spark New Orleans needs to make a second-half push. The Saints will release their final injury report on Friday, which should offer clarity on whether Tyson and Banks will be available against Cleveland. Kickoff is scheduled for noon Sunday at the Caesars Superdome.