JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The New Orleans Saints were originally scheduled to play at the Superdome for their Sept.12 opener.
But due to the aftermath of Hurricane Ida where power remains out, along with disrupted services like water and sewage in the New Orleans area that could extend several weeks to repair, the franchise has been conducting its operations in Dallas.
With the Jaguars playing at Houston for their Sept. 12 opener, the New Orleans Saints confirmed Wednesday afternoon they have moved their season-opener against the Green Bay Packers to TIAA Bank Field on that day with a 4:25 p.m. kickoff scheduled.
Because of a scheduling conflict involving a concert, the Saints were unable to play their opener at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, where they have been conducting practices for the past week.
The Superdome did not incur any significant damage in the storm, but government officials in New Orleans have urged residents who evacuated ahead of the storm to not return to the city just yet because it remains without power.
The Jaguars played the Saints in New Orleans nine days ago, losing, 23-21, in their second preseason game. The game proved costly beyond the loss for the Jaguars because rookie running back Travis Etienne suffered his season-ending Lisfranc foot injury against the Saints during the second quarter.
The game will mark the return of Green Bay Packers tight end Marcedes Lewis to TIAA Bank Field. Lewis played 12 seasons with the Jaguars and was the team's longest-tenured player before he was released March 2018. A first-round pick in 2006, Lewis ended his career with 375 catches for 4,502 yards and 33 touchdowns in 170 regular-season games.
Led by All-Pro quarterback Aaron Rodgers, the Packers advanced to the NFC Championship game last season before losing to the eventual Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 31-26.
This season the Saints are playing without quarterback Drew Brees for the first time since 2005. Brees, 42, announced his retirement after 20 seasons in the NFL in March. Former Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston beat out Taysom Hill for the starting quarterback job during training camp.
