Breaking down the Saints injury report ahead of Week 1

A whopping nine players were listed on the New Orleans Saints' initial injury report on Wednesday, and suffice to say, it's not the greatest way to start a new season.

The Saints released the team's injury report ahead of Week 1, and it's not pretty. Nine players were listed as non-participants or limited participants in practice, with the most notable inclusion being Michael Thomas.

Thomas, who was rehabbing his ankle earlier this summer, is currently nursing a hamstring issue, and so far the Saints have stayed mum on whether Thomas will be ready to go for Week 1.

Other significant inclusions are Paulson Adebo, who suffered an ankle injury in preseason, as well as Erik McCoy and Pete Werner, both of whom were limited in practice on Wednesday.

Saints list nine players on preliminary injury report ahead of Week 1

We'd expect Tre'Quan Smith to be an oft-listed name on the Saints' injury reports given his recurring injuries; backups Dwayne Washington, Landon Young, and Tanner Owen also face an uphill battle to get healthy for Week 1.

If none of those players' statuses change, the Saints' offense could face a serious depth issue especially on the offensive line, though it's at least a relief that James Hurst wasn't listed on the report.

NOLA's defense gets hits the hardest with Adebo's injury that could see the second-rounder miss the start of the season. In his place, veteran Bradley Roby will likely take starting snaps.

Werner's ongoing groin injury has forced him to sit out for most of the preseason, and the Saints could have a conundrum at linebacker as their starting-caliber options at the position remain thin.

New Orleans will continue to release updated injury reports throughout the week, so most of these players still have a chance of starting in Week 1. Thomas, Adebo, and Werner are three names we'll be keeping a close eye on.