The New Orleans Saints are gearing up for the 2024 NFL season with a mix of optimism and concern. One issue casting a shadow over their preparations is the status of their star offensive tackle, Ryan Ramczyk. A consistent backbone of the Saints' offensive line, Ramczyk has now been placed on the reserve/physically unable to perform (PUP) list.
Ramczyk's struggle with injuries has been a significant hurdle for both him and the team. Over the past three years, he has managed to start only 38 out 50 games, a worrying statistic for a player of his caliber. The issue came to a head last season, as a knee problem sidelined him for the last four games of the regular season. This offseason, Ramczyk underwent knee surgery, but unfortunately, his recovery has not gone as planned. Head coach Dennis Allen noted, "Ramczyk's knee hadn't responded the way that they had hoped."
Being placed on the PUP list means Ramczyk is mandated to miss at least the first four games of the upcoming season. Following this period, the Saints will have a five-week window to assess Ramczyk’s readiness to return to practice. Should he begin practicing, the team will then have a 21-day window to decide whether to activate him onto the 53-man roster. If he is not activated within this timeframe, Ramczyk will remain on the PUP list for the rest of the season, a scenario both the player and the team hope to avoid.
In response to the uncertain situation with Ramczyk, the Saints have taken proactive measures to bolster their offensive line. During the 2024 NFL Draft, they picked Oregon State tackle Taliese Fuaga in the first round. Fuaga has been working primarily as the team's left tackle during offseason training sessions, showing the coaching staff's confidence in his abilities and potential to make an immediate impact.
Additionally, Trevor Penning, a first-round pick from 2022, has been taking reps at right tackle. The Saints appear to be preparing for a scenario where they need to rely on their young tackles to step up and fill the gaps left by Ramczyk’s absence. With both Fuaga and Penning showing promise, the Saints hope to maintain the integrity of their offensive line despite the challenges.
Ramczyk is not the only player on the Saints' PUP list as the team heads into the new season. Tight end Juwan Johnson, defensive end Tanoh Kpassagnon, linebacker Nephi Sewell, and defensive end Chase Young have all also been placed on the list. Moreover, wide receiver Chris Olave has been placed on the non-football injury list, adding to the number of key players currently sidelined.
The accumulation of injuries presents a daunting challenge for Dennis Allen and his coaching staff. However, the proactive approach in the draft and the versatility of their roster offer some solace. While Ramczyk’s return to the field remains uncertain, the Saints are gearing up to adapt and compete, leaning on their younger talent and depth to navigate the early part of the season.
The 2024 season represents a pivotal moment for the Saints, where resilience and adaptability will play crucial roles. The team’s success hinges on the collective effort of both seasoned veterans and emerging stars, and Ramczyk's situation will undoubtedly be one of the storylines to watch as the season unfolds. For now, the Saints will focus on weathering the storm and setting a foundation for what they hope will be a deep and competitive run into the playoffs.