New Orleans Saints rookie should get chance to earn starting role following recent injury update for veteran who is struggling

It is a new opportunity for the young defender.

Adam Holt — NFL News Writer
Add as preferred source on Google
Aug 10, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Trey Lance (5) carries the ball against New Orleans Saints cornerback Quincy Riley (29) and linebacker D'Marco Jackson (52) in the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The New Orleans Saints are prepping for a Week 5 match against the New York Giants. Kellen Moore’s team is trying to earn their first win of the season, and a rookie defender may be key in that attempt versus the NFC East foe.

One Saints rookie is slated for an uptick in playing time in the near future, including this weekend’s game against the New York Giants. Cornerback Quincy Riley is a young player with plenty of upside.

Quincy Riley set for more snaps with Isaac Yiadom injured

Veteran cornerback Isaac Yiadom is dealing with a hamstring injury and has not practiced this week. It’s a fair expectation that he will not play on Sunday, and rookie CB Quincy Riley would step into the starting lineup in his place. There’s plenty of excitement around the potential of Riley in Brandon Staley’s unit.

A to Z Sports contributor Tyler Forness was a huge fan of Riley’s game ahead of this year’s draft. Check out the strengths in his game, according to Forness, below.

  • Aggressiveness: Riley is a dog in coverage. Whether it’s playing off coverage or press-man, he has a knack for attacking the receiver and going for the ball. Throughout the route, Riley stays in the hip pocket and has no problem getting in their grill.
  • Ball Production: Riley had a very quick, instinctive trigger when it comes to attacking the football. He has experience with 1,622 pass coverage snaps across six seasons, but capitalized with 13 interceptions and 34 passes defended. Riley will attack the football consistently and with malice.
  • Fluidity: Riley was used in a variety of ways at Louisville. He’s got enough versatility to play both on the outside and in the slot due to his quick feet and oily hips.
  • Play On An Island: Riley was consistently asked to play on an island for the Cardinals and was trusted on both the field and boundary side against really good competition.

Really intrigued to see Riley play notably more. In limited time this season, he’s already forced a fumble and totaled five tackles. Most of his playing time has been on special teams, but an increase in snaps on defense is simply necessary. New Orleans has to see what they’ve got in him early on in his pro career.

Meanwhile, Isaac Yiadom has struggled mightily this season. The 29-year-old CB has played 140 snaps this season. Pro Football Focus has given him a 49.2 overall grade for his play, which ranks 131st out of 165 cornerbacks around the NFL.

With that, fans have been clamoring to see more of Riley on the field at defensive back alongside Kool-Aid McKinstry and Alontae Taylor. It seems like they’ll get their wish in Week 5 against the Giants. Let’s see how Riley fares.

Related Articles