Jordyn Tyson entered the 2026 NFL Draft as one of the most dynamic wide receivers available, but lingering health concerns raised questions about his immediate availability. After missing time during his final college season with hamstring issues, the New Orleans Saints trusted his talent and selected the former Arizona State star with the No. 8 overall pick.
Tyson looked sharp early in training camp and appeared ready to make an immediate impact. Unfortunately, that momentum came to a grinding halt on Aug. 13 when he suffered another hamstring injury, leaving media analysts and former players worried.
Jordyn Tyson Injury Update Leaves Former Bengals Star Heartbroken
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported Monday that Tyson will miss roughly two months, a major blow to his hopes of making an early regular-season impact.
That timeline pushes Tyson well past Week 1 and brings the concerns surrounding his pre-draft injury history back into focus.
Soon after Rapoport’s update surfaced online, former wide receiver Chad Johnson reacted with a broken-heart emoji on X.
— Chad Johnson (@ochocinco) August 18, 2026
For a player who had already dealt with hamstring problems before entering the NFL, the timing of the setback is concerning.
BE THE GM OF YOUR FAVORITE TEAM: PFN’s Free NFL Mock Draft Simulator
Tyson suffered the injury during the Saints’ joint practice with the Jacksonville Jaguars. After catching a pass near the sideline, he slipped and took contact from behind.
The following day, head coach Kellen Moore confirmed that Tyson injured his right hamstring. Medical analyst Dr. Jesse Morse also offered his assessment, calling it a “likely Grade 2 right hamstring strain.” Morse has not examined Tyson personally, while the Saints have not publicly revealed an official grade for the injury.
For now, the New Orleans Saints must recalibrate their plans around Tyler Shough’s offense.
In nine games for Arizona State last season, Tyson recorded 61 receptions for 711 yards and eight touchdowns, earning an 81.2 score in Pro Football Network’s CFB WR Impact metric.
START PREPARING: PFN’s Free Fantasy Draft Simulator
Now his absence creates an unwanted problem for an offense that expected Tyson to work alongside veteran Chris Olave and Shough immediately. Last season, the Saints posted a 62.9 impact score in PFSN’s Offense Impact Metric, which ranked them 29th in the NFL.
At present, New Orleans still has some options. The addition of Travis Etienne Jr. gives the offense more versatility, while Shough enters his second season with a chance to take another step forward.
Nonetheless, the team needs Tyson back as soon as possible. The Saints open their season Sept. 13 at the Detroit Lions; a two-month recovery, meanwhile, could push his debut into October.
If the Saints place Tyson on injured reserve following final roster cuts, league rules require him to miss a minimum of four games before returning to play.
