The Derek Carr era with the New Orleans Saints got off on the right foot. While it was from a pretty display on the field, the Saints were able to eke out a victory over the Tennessee Titans, pulling off a 16-15 win. The stars of the game were kickers Nick Folk and Blake Grupe. They combined to go 8-for-8 on field goals with Grupe making the only extra point attempt of the game.

While it was certainly encouraging to come away with a victory in the home opener, it wasn’t all positive for the Saints on Sunday afternoon. They received some disappointing injury news after the game.

According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, defensive end Payton Turner is believed to have suffered a turf toe injury during the game. It is something that would require surgery according to Rapoport, which would sideline him for multiple weeks.

Turner was looking at a chance to have an expanded role with the Saints this season after they lost multiple defensive linemen in free agency. A first-round pick out of Houston in 2021, this was his chance to shine.

Unfortunately, this is the latest in a long string of injuries for the former Cougar. Turner played in only five games as a rookie and eight last season, as he has spent more time injured on the sidelines than in uniform suited up to play. In his career, he has 3.0 sacks with eight tackles for loss, six quarterback hits and 12 total pressures.

With Turner set to miss time, rookie Isaiah Foskey will see his role expand behind Carl Granderson. The only other healthy defensive end on the roster behind Granderson and fellow starter Cam Jordan is Tanoh Kpassagnon.

Expect that to change in the coming days depending on how long Turner is projected to be sidelined. A trip to IR certainly can’t be ruled out, especially if he is looking at a multi-week absence after surgery.