Audric Estime scores Saints’ first preseason TD, but exits with injury

That didn’t take very long. Just one play after Ty Chandler returned the opening kickoff 86 yards to the Jacksonville Jaguars‘ 9-yard line, Audric Estime finished the job. The New Orleans Saints‘ running back took the handoff on their first snap from scrimmage, worked through traffic, bounced outside, and raced into the end zone for a 9-yard touchdown. Just 19 seconds into the game, New Orleans had its first points of the preseason.

Estime entered the preseason with an opportunity to strengthen his place in the Saints’ running back rotation. With the touchdown run, he immediately took advantage of it alongside Chandler. Alvin Kamara, Travis Etienne Jr., Kendre Miller, and Devin Neal all did not play on Saturday, which opened the door for Estime, Chandler, and rookie CJ Donaldson to receive an extended look.

Audric Estimé breaks tackles and finds the end zone 🔥

Stream on @NFLPluspic.twitter.com/N1NxBGXQhu

— NFL (@NFL) August 15, 2026

The early touchdown run reminded everyone what Estime can bring to the offense. He followed his blocks patiently, made a decisive cut, and had enough power to finish the play once he reached the second level. The physical running style seen in the preseason also helped him close the 2025 season on a high note — and that could eventually give the Saints a useful change of pace behind Kamara and Etienne.

There’s still a full preseason ahead and plenty left to determine in New Orleans’ crowded backfield, but coring on his first carry is about as strong an opening statement as Estime could’ve made. Estime later ended up exiting the game in the second quarter with an injury, having taken a low hit after Spencer Rattler checked down to him in the flat for a loss of 6 yards. He walked to the locker room under his own power.

This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Audric Estime scores Saints’ first preseason TD, but exits with injury