Report: Saints fear torn labrum for S Julian Blackmon

Field Level Media|published: 09/08/2025, 1:47pm EDT

Aug 23, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton (14) makes a touchdown reception against New Orleans Saints safety Julian Blackmon (28) during the first half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images

New Orleans Saints safety Julian Blackmon is reportedly feared to have sustained a torn labrum in Sunday's season-opening loss to the Arizona Cardinals.

NFL Network reported Monday that the team is awaiting test results to confirm the diagnosis, which would likely require season-ending surgery.

Blackmon signed as a free agent with New Orleans on July 23, one day after the team lost safety Tyrann Mathieu to retirement. Blackmon's deal was reportedly for one year and worth up to $5.5 million.

Blackmon, 27, played through almost the entire 2024 season with the Indianapolis Colts with a similar injury to his right shoulder which required surgery in the offseason.

He recorded seven tackles (four solo stops) and one pass defensed and was on the field for all 66 defensive snaps in Sunday's 20-13 defeat in New Orleans.

Blackmon has 10 career interceptions, 22 passes defensed and 307 tackles in 67 games (63 starts) with the Colts (2020-24) and Saints.

--Field Level Media