The New Orleans Saints are on the brink of the 2024 NFL season, but the team is already grappling with significant roster adjustments. Among the most crucial is the placing of offensive tackle Ryan Ramczyk on the reserve/physically unable to perform (PUP) list.
Ramczyk, who has been a cornerstone of the Saints' offensive line, has been consistently battling knee issues. Over the past three years, he has managed to start only 38 out of 50 games. These lingering problems culminated in knee surgery during the offseason. However, the surgery hasn't alleviated his issues as much as hoped. According to head coach Dennis Allen, "Ramczyk's knee hadn't responded the way that they had hoped."
Ramczyk's placement on the PUP list means he will be compelled to miss the first four games of the upcoming season. Beyond this initial period, the Saints will have a five-week window to allow him to commence practice. Upon beginning practice, a 21-day window will then start for the team to make a definitive decision on whether to activate him onto the 53-man roster. Should Ramczyk not be activated within this timeframe, he will remain on the PUP list for the rest of the season—a scenario the Saints undoubtedly hope to avoid.
Offensive Line Depth and Adjustments
In response to Ramczyk's ongoing health concerns, the Saints have proactively sought to bolster their offensive line depth. During the 2024 NFL Draft, they selected Oregon State tackle Taliese Fuaga in the first round. Fuaga has made an immediate impact, predominantly working as the team's left tackle during offseason training sessions. Meanwhile, Trevor Penning, a first-round pick from 2022, has been taking reps at the right tackle position.
This strategic adjustment reflects the coaching staff's awareness of the urgency to have capable linemen ready to step into crucial roles, given Ramczyk's uncertain status.
PUP List and Roster Challenges
In addition to Ramczyk, the Saints have placed several other key players on the PUP list. Tight end Juwan Johnson, defensive end Tanoh Kpassagnon, linebacker Nephi Sewell, and defensive end Chase Young are all dealing with various ailments that led to their inclusion on the list. This cluster of injuries presents a challenging scenario for head coach Dennis Allen and his coaching staff as they navigate the early phase of the season with a roster that may lack its full complement of talent.
The team's injury woes extend beyond the PUP list, as noted with wide receiver Chris Olave being placed on the non-football injury list. This complicates the coaching puzzle even further, given Olave's pivotal role in the Saints' aerial attack.
Upcoming Season Outlook
As the Saints prepare for the 2024 season, the team's ability to adapt and strategize around these injuries will be critical. Ramczyk's potential return post-PUP list will be closely monitored, but the team must also prepare for the possibility of a longer absence and concentrate on developing the available talent on the roster.
Coach Dennis Allen and the Saints' management have demonstrated strategic foresight by investing in high-potential linemen like Fuaga and ensuring ample practice reps for players like Penning. This approach not only addresses their immediate needs but also provides depth that is often the difference between a resilient team and one that falters under the strain of injuries.
The Saints' handling of this early adversity will reveal much about their capacity to contend effectively throughout the season. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the team navigates these challenges, hoping that Ramczyk and other key players can return to fortify the squad as the season progresses.