The New Orleans Saints are navigating a challenging off-season as they prepare for the 2024 NFL season. A significant development has been the placement of standout offensive tackle Ryan Ramczyk on the reserve/physically unable to perform (PUP) list. This decision comes in the wake of ongoing knee issues that have plagued Ramczyk over the past few seasons.
Ramczyk's Knee Troubles Continue
Ryan Ramczyk's knee problems began toward the end of the previous regular season, sidelining him for the last four games. The offseason saw him undergoing knee surgery, a move that the Saints hoped would facilitate a full recovery. Unfortunately, as head coach Dennis Allen noted, "Ramczyk's knee hadn't responded the way that they had hoped."
Over the past three years, Ramczyk has managed to participate in only 38 of a possible 50 games, a statistic that underscores the persistent nature of his health issues. His current placement on the PUP list mandates that he will miss at least the first four games of the 2024 season. Following this period, the Saints will have a five-week window to get Ramczyk back onto the practice field. Once he begins practicing, the team has 21 days to decide whether to activate him onto the 53-man roster. Should Ramczyk fail to meet these timelines, he could find himself on the PUP list for the remainder of the season.
The Offensive Line Shifts
Ramczyk's absence leaves a significant gap in the Saints' offensive line, but steps are being taken to address this concern. The Saints used their first-round draft pick in 2024 to select Taliese Fuaga, an impressive tackle out of Oregon State. Fuaga has been primarily working as the team's left tackle during offseason training. His development will be crucial for the Saints, considering the shifting dynamics of their roster.
Adding to the mix is Trevor Penning, the team's first-round pick from 2022. Penning has been taking reps at right tackle, showcasing versatility that will be essential as the Saints look to fortify their offensive front. The performance and adaptability of these young linemen will be vital as the team navigates the early stages of the 2024 season without Ramczyk.
Other PUP List Additions and Injuries
Ramczyk is not the only Saint facing physical setbacks. Tight end Juwan Johnson, defensive end Tanoh Kpassagnon, linebacker Nephi Sewell, and high-profile defensive end Chase Young have all been placed on the PUP list. This cluster of injuries presents significant challenges for the Saints' coaching and medical staff as they work towards readying the squad for the regular season.
In addition, Chris Olave, one of the Saints' promising wide receivers, has been placed on the non-football injury list. The exact nature of Olave's injury has not been disclosed, but his presence on this list adds another layer of complexity to the team’s preparations.
Outlook and Expectations
The Saints' ability to adapt to these adversities will be closely monitored as the season progresses. Ramczyk's situation, in particular, will be under scrutiny given his pivotal role in the offensive line. The hope within the organization is that the young talents like Fuaga and Penning can rise to the occasion and mitigate the impact of these injuries.
As the Saints inch closer to the start of the season, a mix of seasoned experience and youthful vigor will be on display. Navigating through these early challenges will set the tone for the Saints' 2024 campaign, a season that promises both unpredictability and potential as the team grapples with its evolving roster dynamics.