{
  "id": 3638421,
  "title": "Kellen Moore: 'A lot of' Saints' first teamers won't play in preseason",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/27/kellen-moore-a-lot-of-saints-first-teamers-wont-play-in-preseason",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-27T01:44:02.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/kellen-moore-lot-saints-first-014402625.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "New Orleans Saints head coach Kellen Moore revealed that many first-string players will sit out during Friday's preseason finale against the Dallas Cowboys. Moore noted that only 145 snaps were taken by the primary offense and defense across three joint practice sessions, deeming it sufficient for their development. The coach emphasized the risk of injury associated with placing his star players in an exhibition game. While some coaches utilize the final preseason game as a dress rehearsal to evaluate their offense's scripted drives and defense's response to pressure, the Saints are following a trend of reducing preseason snaps to safeguard their key players. The team faces back-to-back road trips to Detroit and Baltimore in the upcoming weeks, which could lead to criticism if the starting units underperform. Despite this, Moore is confident in his decision, acknowledging the potential for criticism if the Saints stumble out of the gate.",
  "summary": "Saints coach Kellen Moore won't play starters in the final preseason game against the Cowboys. He feels they got enough work in three joint practices.",
  "key_points": [
    "Saints head coach Kellen Moore limits first-teamers' preseason snaps",
    "Only 145 total snaps taken in three practice sessions",
    "Trend of reducing preseason snaps to protect key players"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The Saints' decision to rest first-string players in the preseason finale reflects a growing trend of prioritizing player safety over extra game reps, with coach Kellen Moore citing injury risk.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}