Saints Safety Julian Blackmon May Need Season-Ending Shoulder Surgery

Former Utah defensive back Julian Blackmon injured his shoulder in week one against the Cardinals and might be facing surgery that would be expected to end his season.

Blackmon signed with the New Orleans Saints this offseason after spending the first five years of his career in Indianapolis.

#Saints S Julian Blackmon, an instant contributor after a late signing, is feared to have suffered a torn labrum in the loss to the #AZCardinals, sources say.

They’re still doing tests, but if confirmed, he’s looking at season-ending surgery. A tough blow. pic.twitter.com/F18gru5znb

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 8, 2025

The former Ute was proficient in his debut, and the Saints appeared to have found the Tyrann Matthieu replacement they were looking for. On Sunday, he finished with seven total tackles (four solo) and a pass breakup.

At the end of last season, Blackmon tore his labrum and got surgery in January. NFL Insider Ian Rapoport reported that the injury “to a different part of the same labrum may require surgery quicker.”

Currently, tests are still being done, and Blackmon hasn’t received an official diagnosis. Saints head coach Kellen Moore confirmed that the injury “will be a long one, potentially for the full season.”

Moore went on to say that, for the time being, rookie Jonas Sanker is expected to fill in for Blackmon in the secondary.

If Blackmon ends up missing significant time, New Orleans may look to pick up a veteran in free agency. Some names to look out for are Justin Simmons, Marcus Williams, and Jordan Whitehead.

About Julian Blackmon

Before his NFL career, Blackmon was a standout player at Layton High School. After his prep career with the Lancers, the safety played college football at the University of Utah from 2016-19.

During his time with the Utes, Blackmon recorded 60 total tackles, 41 solo tackles, four tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, four interceptions, and four pass breakups in 48 games.

Following his Utah career, Blackmon was selected by the Colts with the No. 85 overall pick during the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft.

Julian Blackmon out of a cannon. 💣

📺 FOX/NFLN pic.twitter.com/EdeJvtCOGq

— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) November 13, 2020

During his time in the league, the safety has recorded 214 total tackles, 163 solo tackles, one sack, two forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, seven interceptions, one touchdown, and 17 pass breakups in 50 games.

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Chandler Holt is a co-host of the Jazz Notes podcast, a Locals In The NFL Insider, and Digital Sports Producer for sports.ksl.com. Follow Chandler on X for Utah Jazz and Locals In The NFL updates.

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