Saints to play opener in Jacksonville while displaced

The New Orleans Saints will host the Green Bay Packers in Jacksonville in Week 1 while they're displaced due to Hurricane Ida, they announced Wednesday.

The Saints evacuated to Dallas before Hurricane Ida ripped through Louisiana, leaving much of New Orleans without power. The team is expected to spend the week practicing in Dallas before heading to TIAA Bank Field for the season opener.

Saints coach Sean Payton said Tuesday his club is preparing to spend the first month of the season away from home amid the damage in New Orleans. After opening the schedule against the Packers, the Saints will embark on a two-game road trip.

The Jacksonville Jaguars play their home games at TIAA Bank Field but are on the road Week 1. The Saints couldn't play at AT&T Stadium in Dallas because the venue hosts a concert the day of the game.

The NFL requires all games to take place at its stadiums for reasons related to the replay review system.

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