Juwan Johnson enters the 2026 season coming off a career-high 889 receiving yards and 77 catches in 2025 as the Saints’ primary tight end option behind Chris Olave. Week 1 produced 54 yards and a touchdown on seven targets from quarterback Tyler Shough, but the addition of rookie first-round wideout Jordyn Tyson and veteran Noah Fant has introduced meaningful target competition that analysts expect to limit Johnson’s prior 18% share. Tyson’s hamstring injury placing him on injured reserve provides short-term relief and elevated usage for Johnson and Devaughn Vele, though a fully healthy depth chart could compress opportunities over 17 games. Johnson’s current illness-related practice absence for Week 2 is viewed as minor, with his red-zone and yards-after-catch skills remaining assets in New Orleans’ scheme.