The New Orleans Saints are gearing up for the 2024 NFL season with a mix of optimism and concern, particularly surrounding their offensive line. A centerpiece of this narrative is veteran right tackle Ryan Ramczyk, who has been relegated to the reserve/physically unable to perform (PUP) list. Ramczyk, a lynchpin in the Saints' offensive front, has struggled with knee issues, forcing the team to take a cautious approach to his health and availability.
Ramczyk's knee troubles have been a recurring issue over the past few seasons. While he managed to start 38 out of 50 games in the recent three-year span, the lingering knee problem, which required offseason surgery, first sidelined him during the final four games of last season. Speaking on his situation, head coach Dennis Allen lamented, "Ramczyk's knee hadn't responded the way that they had hoped." This quote underscores the frustration and uncertainty surrounding Ramczyk's situation.
Impact of PUP Listing
Being placed on the PUP list means Ramczyk is mandated to miss the first four games of the 2024 season. This is a significant blow for the Saints, who would ideally want their seasoned tackle available from the outset. Post this four-game period, the Saints have a five-week window to allow Ramczyk to begin practicing. Following his return to practice, the team then has a crucial 21-day window to decide whether to activate him onto the 53-man roster. Failure to activate him within this period would mean Ramczyk remains on the PUP list for the rest of the season, potentially sidelining him for longer than initially anticipated.
Shuffling the Offensive Line
In light of Ramczyk's uncertain status, the Saints have been proactive in addressing their offensive line concerns. They have placed significant trust in their latest first-round draft pick, Taliese Fuaga from Oregon State. Fuaga has been primarily training as the team's left tackle throughout the offseason. Meanwhile, Trevor Penning, another first-round selection from 2022, has been taking the reins at right tackle. This strategic move indicates the Saints' forward-thinking approach in potentially preparing Penning to step into a critical role should Ramczyk be unavailable for an extended period.
Other Key Players on the PUP List
Ramczyk is not the only high-profile player facing injury setbacks. Tight end Juwan Johnson, defensive end Tanoh Kpassagnon, linebacker Nephi Sewell, and defensive end Chase Young have also been placed on the PUP list. This influx of players on the PUP list reflects the broader injury challenges the team is currently navigating.
Chris Olave on Non-Football Injury List
In addition to those on the PUP list, the Saints are also managing the absence of wide receiver Chris Olave, who has been placed on the non-football injury list. While the specifics of Olave's condition have not been disclosed, his placement on this list suggests his issues are unrelated to football activities, adding another layer of complexity to the Saints' roster management.
As the Saints approach the kickoff of their 2024 campaign, the health of their players, particularly Ramczyk, remains a focal point. The coaching staff, led by Dennis Allen, will be closely monitoring Ramczyk's recovery trajectory and making pivotal decisions that could influence the team's performance in the critical early stages of the season. With young talents like Taliese Fuaga and Trevor Penning stepping up, the Saints are fostering a next-man-up mentality, hoping to weather the storm of injuries and remain competitive throughout the season.