Jaylan Ford: Everything you need to know

Ford (fibula) recorded eight tackles (five solo) during Sunday's 27-13 preseason loss against the Chargers. Ford was placed on New Orleans' injured-reserve list prior to its final game of the 2024 season due to a broken fibula, but he was back in playing shape for the team's 2025 preseason opener. The 2024 fifth-rounder isn't a lock for a roster spot for the upcoming campaign, but having tied for the team lead in tackles in Sunday's preseason contest certainly won't hurt his case.

The Saints moved Ford (fibula) to injured reserve Tuesday. Ford fractured his fibula Sunday against Las Vegas and is set to have surgery. The rookie linebacker played exclusively on special teams this season. The Saints signed tackle Josh Ball from the Cowboys' practice squad to their active roster Tuesday in a corresponding move.

Head coach Darren Rizzi said Monday that Ford will have surgery for a fractured fibula that he suffered during the Saints' 25-10 loss to the Raiders on Sunday, Katherine Terrell of ESPN.com reports. Ford was carted off the field in the fourth quarter of Sunday's game after suffering the injury on punt coverage. Per John Hendrix of SI.com, the Saints will conduct additional tests on Ford's leg to see if there's any further structural or ligament damage beyond the fracture before moving ahead with surgery. The rookie fifth-round pick played primarily on special teams during his first NFL regular season and finished with four tackles (two solo) across eight games.