The New Orleans Saints will have a "home game" against the Green Bay Packers this coming Sunday, but they won't be anywhere near Bourbon Street. Due to the aftermath of Hurricane Ida, the team is unable to play their Week 1 game at Caesars Superdome and are now slated to begin their 2021 season at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville. While this isn't the most ideal way to begin the regular season for the Saints, their absence from New Orleans doesn't appear like it will be much longer.
On Wednesday, New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell said that the Saints should be able to play at home on October 3 when they face the New York Giants. That's the Saints' second home game of the season, so if all goes according to plan they'd only be away from Caesars Superdome for one week. In Weeks 2 and 3, New Orleans is on the road facing the Carolina Panthers and New England Patriots, respectively.
According to reports, the Superdome did not sustain any structural damage during Hurricane Ida, but the city of New Orleans completely lost power, which naturally makes an attempt at playing an NFL game there next to impossible.
As for where they'll be playing this Sunday against Green Bay, TIAA Bank Field was down the list quite a bit on the Saints' list to find a temporary home. Closer venues -- like Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta and NRG Stadium in Houston -- have NFL games occurring that day. While the Dallas Cowboys will begin their season on Thursday in Tampa, AT&T Stadium was unavailable due to a previously scheduled concert, making Jacksonville the eventual choice for Sunday's opener.
Thankfully for the Saints, it looks like they'll be back home in relatively short order.
The Drew Brees era is over as the Saints have turned to Jameis Winston at quarterback. The CBS Sports app will get you ready for every step of the Saints' 2021 season. If you've already downloaded the CBS Sports app, favorite the Saints so you don't miss any updates.