Saints rookie’s first NFL season ends before it even started after recent unfortunate news update

The Saints lose another young player to injury.

Adam Holt — NFL News Writer
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Sep 14, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Vernon Broughton (91) leaves the field at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images

The 2025 New Orleans Saints rookie class is a group with plenty of mystery still. It’s just a couple of week into their first season, but one of the important parts of the class is already having to prepare for next year. Saints rookie defensive lineman Vernon Broughton suffered a long-term injury in the team’s Week 2 loss to the San Francisco 49ers.

Rookie Vernon Broughton will miss rest of the season

Broughton will miss the rest of the injury due to a hip injury, according to Mike Garafolo. Kellen Moore confirmed the injury for Broughton this week. It’s a notable blow to a group of rookies that hasn’t seen a ton of playing time, outside of first-round OT Kelvin Banks Jr. and safety Jonas Sanker.

Broughton was inactive in Week 1 but suited up in Week 2, his NFL debut. New Orleans was excited about his potential in year one, and they could use more playmakers inside on their defensive line. Now, they’ve lost another young player for the foreseeable future.

Not to menti0n, this hinders his developmental process. Broughton was a late bloomer at Texas during his college days, so reps and time on the field to begin his pro career were both vital. He and the Saints will now have to alter their plans with him and hope he can return fully healthy for next season.

Depth must step up along Saints defensive line

It goes without saying, but the loss of Broughton only brings more pressure to other depth along the DL. Jonathan Bulard hasn’t seen a consistent role so far this season, but I’d expect him to garner more playing time now. Jonah Williams was a veteran free agency addition this offseason who could slot in for more snaps, too.

New Orleans could also look to the free agent market once again to supply some depth. The Saints should not, however, attempt to make another trade for depth. With limited draft capital next year already in terms of number of picks on day three – New Orleans needs to focus on keeping what they have to bolster the upcoming rookie class.

Regardless, it’s a tough break for Broughton, a player that the defensive staff was hoping would have an increased role going forward on the front lines of the trenches for the Saints defense.

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