The New Orleans Saints are gearing up for the 2024 NFL season, but the road ahead has become a bit more complicated. The team's acclaimed offensive tackle, Ryan Ramczyk, has been placed on the reserve/physically unable to perform (PUP) list, sidelining him for at least the first four games of the season. This decision follows an offseason knee surgery that has notably hampered his performance and recovery.
Ramczyk's Struggles with Injuries
Ramczyk's knee issues are not a recent development. Over the past three years, the veteran tackle has started in just 38 out of a possible 50 games. The knee problem first became a significant concern when it forced him to miss the final four games of the previous regular season. Despite undergoing surgery in the offseason, head coach Dennis Allen admitted, "Ramczyk's knee hadn't responded the way that they had hoped."
Due to his placement on the PUP list, Ramczyk will miss the initial four games of the 2024 campaign. The Saints will then have a five-week window to decide when Ramczyk can begin practicing. Once he starts practice, the team will have a 21-day period to either activate him to the 53-man roster or leave him on the PUP list for the remainder of the season.
Next Man Up: Taliese Fuaga and Trevor Penning
With Ramczyk temporarily out of the lineup, the Saints have adjusted their strategy to utilize their depth on the offensive line. Taliese Fuaga, an Oregon State tackle selected in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, is expected to take over as the team's left tackle during the offseason preparations. Fuaga's presence has been noted during training, where he primarily worked on acclimating to the left tackle position.
In addition to Fuaga, the Saints are also relying on Trevor Penning, a first-round pick from 2022, to step up. Penning has been taking reps at right tackle, indicating the Saints' faith in the young lineman to hold down the fort while Ramczyk recuperates. These moves underscore the Saints' commitment to reinforcing their offensive line and maintaining stability during a challenging stretch.
Further Roster Adjustments
Ramczyk isn't the only key player on 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 list. These moves indicate some broader concerns within the team's depth and health as they head into the new season.
Adding to their woes, wide receiver Chris Olave has been placed on the non-football injury list. While the specific nature of these injuries and their timelines for return are not entirely clear, the Saints must navigate these early challenges with precision and resilience.
Looking Forward
The Saints' management and coaching staff have historically excelled at fostering a "next-man-up" ethos, and this season will undoubtedly test that philosophy. The timeline for Ramczyk's return remains conditional, but there is cautious optimism within the organization that he will make a return to bolster the offensive line.
During this period, close attention will be placed on how effectively Fuaga and Penning can adapt to their roles. Their performances early in the season could be crucial in determining the Saints' offensive effectiveness and overall momentum as they navigate these initial hurdles.
In the cutthroat realm of the NFL, every snap, every game, and every player's health matters. The Saints' ability to live up to their expectations, despite early setbacks, will reveal much about their resilience and depth as they aim for success in the 2024 season.