Sports News Report
League: NFLSport: FootballCountry: United StatesCategory: Draft

Saints prepare for opener as Zach Wood highlights No. 49 jersey history

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 26, 2026, 11:55 AM

Last updated Jul 26, 2026

Saints prepare for opener as Zach Wood highlights No. 49 jersey history
Summary

The New Orleans Saints will kick off their 2026 season in 49 days, facing the Detroit Lions on September 13. Long snapper Zach Wood will continue wearing the No. 49 jersey as he starts his ninth year with the team. The No. 49 has had a notable history in Saints lore, with eight players previously donning it, none of whom were drafted by the franchise. Wood is set to extend his tenure, having played in all 149 games since 2017, a role often overlooked in the NFL. The Saints are focusing on their special teams as they prepare for the upcoming season.

Source Links
Yahoo Sports
Key Details
  • •Saints' season opener is scheduled for September 13 against the Lions.
  • •Zach Wood is the longest-tenured player to wear No. 49 for the Saints.
  • •No players wearing No. 49 were drafted by the Saints.
  • •Wood's position as long snapper is considered vital but often undervalued.
Latest Updates
  • 11:55 AMYahoo Sports — 49 days until Saints opener: Every player to wear the No. 49 jersey
What they're saying
"

Long snapper Zach Wood and defensive back Frank Wattelet head up a short list of New Orleans Saints who have worn the No. 49 jersey.

Related Teams & Leagues
Detroit LionsNew Orleans SaintsSan Francisco 49ersNFLFootball

Sources

External links

Original reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.

Related Stories

Last 14 days