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New Orleans Saints prepare for September opener against Detroit Lions

2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 1, 2026, 4:26 PM

Last updated Sep 1, 2026

New Orleans Saints prepare for September opener against Detroit Lions

Summary

The New Orleans Saints countdown to their 2026 regular season opener reaches 13 days, with the team scheduled to face the Detroit Lions on the road on September 13. As part of the franchise preparation, team history regarding the No. 13 jersey has been reviewed. Only eight players have worn the number in team history, including long-term receiver Michael Thomas and current offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier. Thomas remains the most prominent player to hold the jersey, having set team and NFL records for receptions and receiving yards during his tenure. Other players to use the number include quarterbacks Larry Cipa and Kerry Collins, as well as more recent arrivals like Velus Jones and Ja'Lynn Polk. Hunter Dekkers is the latest player assigned the number for the 2026 season.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•New Orleans travels to Detroit to play the Lions on September 13.
•Hunter Dekkers is the current New Orleans player wearing the No. 13 jersey.
•Michael Thomas holds the team record for most games played in the No. 13 uniform.
•Eight players have worn the No. 13 jersey throughout the history of the New Orleans franchise.
•Ja'Lynn Polk retired from professional football during the 2026 training camp.

Latest Updates

4:26 PMYahoo Sports — 12 days until Saints opener: Every player to wear the No. 12 jersey
12:55 PMYahoo Sports — 13 days until Saints opener: Every player to wear the No. 13 jersey

What they're saying

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Record-setting wide reeceiver Michael Thomas stands head and shoulders above all other New Orleans Saints who have worn a No. 13 jersey.
— Yahoo Sports