As the New Orleans Saints gear up for the 2024 NFL season, the team is faced with several significant roster adjustments, particularly on the offensive line. This offseason's headline is the status of standout tackle Ryan Ramczyk. Expected to be a central figure in protecting the Saints' passers, Ramczyk's condition puts early-season plans into unpredictable territory.
Ramczyk's Health Concerns
Ryan Ramczyk, one of the cornerstones of the Saints' offensive line, has been placed on the reserve/physically unable to perform (PUP) list. This decision follows a tumultuous period in which Ramczyk managed to start only 38 out of possible 50 games over the past three years, a stretch plagued by a persistent knee problem.
The knee issue, which first sidelined him for the final four games of the last regular season, necessitated offseason surgery. Despite the procedure, head coach Dennis Allen noted, "Ramczyk's knee hadn't responded the way that they had hoped." His placement on the PUP list confirms that his recovery is still a work in progress.
Implications for the Early Season
Due to his PUP list placement, Ramczyk is required to miss the first four games of the season. This absence immediately raises questions about the Saints' ability to protect whoever will be under center during those critical opening games. However, the rules provide a structured path for potential return. Following the four-game period, the Saints have a five-week window to decide whether to allow Ramczyk to begin practicing. Once he resumes practice, there is a 21-day window during which the team must decide on his activation to the 53-man roster. If he is not activated within this period, Ramczyk will remain on the PUP list for the rest of the season.
Strategic Adjustments and Draft Additions
The Saints have prudently prepared for this scenario by reinforcing their offensive line through the 2024 NFL Draft. Oregon State tackle Taliese Fuaga, their first-round selection, has been deployed primarily as the left tackle during offseason training. This move offers a layer of stability and athleticism to the line, leveraging Fuaga's readiness to adapt quickly to the professional game's demands.
Additionally, Trevor Penning, a first-round pick from 2022, has been taking reps at right tackle, indicating the coaching staff's trust in his development and potential to fill the gap left by Ramczyk. Penning's progress will be crucial, especially if Ramczyk's return remains in question deeper into the season.
PUP List Expands
Ramczyk is not alone in occupying the PUP list. The Saints have also placed tight end Juwan Johnson, defensive end Tanoh Kpassagnon, linebacker Nephi Sewell, and defensive end Chase Young on the same list. This broad array of sidelined talent adds to the complexity of the team's early-season preparations, stretching the depth of the roster and putting pressure on younger or less experienced players to step up.
Additional Concerns
Adding to the Saints' worries, wide receiver Chris Olave finds himself on the non-football injury list. Olave's presence—or absence—could dramatically influence the offensive strategy, particularly in terms of the passing game and overall field dynamics.
As the Saints navigate these early-season challenges, head coach Dennis Allen and his staff will be meticulously managing player health, assessing practice performances, and devising strategies to compensate for the missing starters. The adjustments made in response to Ramczyk's status, along with the resilience shown by the roster, will be pivotal in determining the Saints' trajectory as they chase postseason ambitions in the 2024 NFL season.