Saints-Jaguars preseason clash centers on QB competition and Hunter’s dual-role potential
The New Orleans Saints and Jacksonville Jaguars, two teams that finished last season with top-10 picks after door-slamming 2024 campaigns (Saints at 5-12, Jaguars at 4-13), square off in Sunday’s NFL Network preseason game as both clubs press toward the regular season.
Roster questions loom for both teams. For New Orleans, the main storyline is who will start Week 1. Spencer Rattler, Jake Haener, and rookie Tyler Shough all saw reps in the Saints’ first exhibition game, and the team will continue evaluating their performances through the preseason before announcing a Week 1 starter.
In Jacksonville, the spotlight is on how Travis Hunter, a two-way threat who played offense and defense in the opener, will fit into the regular-season plan. Hunter appeared in 18 snaps across offense and defense in the first game (10 on offense, eight on defense), and the Jaguars will gauge how much they lean on him on both sides of the ball.
What to know about Saints vs. Jaguars in their second exhibition:
When does the Saints-Jaguars preseason game start?
– Sunday, August 17 at 1 p.m. ET.
Where to watch
– NFL Network will simulcast the game nationwide.
– Local broadcasts:
– New Orleans area: FOX 8
– Jacksonville area: CBS47
How to watch in other formats
– Nationwide fans can stream the game on NFL+ or Fubo, which offers a free trial.
Season context
– 2024 Saints record: 5-12; missed the playoffs
– 2024 Jaguars record: 4-13; missed the playoffs
What to watch
– Saints quarterback competition: Rattler, Haener, and Shough will continue to be evaluated to determine Week 1 starter.
– Hunter’s two-way role: Observers will track how much Jacksonville leans on him at receiver and cornerback and what that could mean for his utilization in the regular season.
Summary and outlook
This Sunday’s matchup offers a clear snapshot of where each team stands as they build toward 2025. New Orleans is probing its quarterback depth and readiness, while Jacksonville is testing how far Travis Hunter’s dual-position versatility can stretch the offense and defense. Both teams remain hopeful that meaningful improvements will materialize as the preseason unfolds and the regular season approaches.