The New Orleans Saints are gearing up for the 2024 NFL season, but they will have to navigate the early stages without one of their key players, offensive tackle Ryan Ramczyk. The 2023 season saw Ramczyk, a cornerstone of the Saints’ offensive line, sidelined for the last four games due to a knee injury that required offseason surgery. The recovery from that surgery has been less than ideal, leading to his placement on the reserve/physically unable to perform (PUP) list.
"Ramczyk's knee hadn't responded the way that they had hoped," head coach Dennis Allen disclosed in a recent press conference. This unfortunate turn of events mandates that Ramczyk will miss at least the first four games of the forthcoming season. Once this period elapses, the Saints will have a five-week window to evaluate his recovery and initiate practice sessions with the team. Following this, they will have 21 days to decide whether to activate him to the 53-man roster. If these steps are not met within the specified timeline, Ramczyk will remain on the PUP list for the rest of the season, a significant blow to the team's offensive line stability.
Since being drafted, Ramczyk has been a reliable figure on the line, starting 38 out of 50 games over the past three years—a testament to his importance and talent despite the nagging knee issues. His absence leaves a significant gap, but the Saints have been proactive in addressing potential weaknesses in this critical area.
New Faces and Strategic Moves
The Saints’ front office and coaching staff acted swiftly by selecting Oregon State tackle Taliese Fuaga in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Fuaga, who has been primarily working as the team’s left tackle during offseason training, brings fresh talent and agility to the offensive line. His transition to the professional level will be under intense scrutiny, but early indications suggest that the coaching staff is optimistic about his capabilities.
Complementing this strategic move, Trevor Penning, a first-round pick from 2022, has been taking reps at right tackle. Penning's development and readiness to handle the responsibilities of right tackle are critical, especially given the uncertainty revolving around Ramczyk’s health. Penning's performance in this slot could be a deciding factor in how well the Saints weather the initial weeks of the season without Ramczyk.
Dealing with a Rash of Injuries
Ramczyk is not the only player facing health setbacks. The Saints have placed several key players on the PUP list, including tight end Juwan Johnson, defensive end Tanoh Kpassagnon, linebacker Nephi Sewell, and recently acquired defensive end Chase Young. These players' unavailability compounds the challenges that the team faces as it aims to make a strong start to the season.
Additionally, wide receiver Chris Olave has been placed on the non-football injury list. Olave’s situation, distinct from those of his teammates on the PUP list, also raises concerns about the Saints’ offensive field dynamics. Olave's contributions as a receiver are pivotal to the Saints' passing strategies, and his absence necessitates adjustments and perhaps a taller order for the remaining receiving corps.
The start of the 2024 season will undoubtedly test the depth and resilience of the New Orleans Saints. While the absence of Ryan Ramczyk signifies a substantial hurdle, the organization’s strategic drafting and adjustments during the offseason suggest a rigorous and methodical approach to mitigating these challenges. As the team awaits the return of several key players, the focus will be on maintaining competitive performance and adapting to the evolving dynamics on the field.