Tuesday’s New Orleans Saints minicamp practice offered insights into the team’s current dynamics, player performances, and evolving strategies. Here’s a detailed look at the notable events and observations from the day.
Attendance and Participation
Tuesday’s practice saw the return of several key players who had been absent throughout OTAs. All who participated were:
- Cornerback Marshon Lattimore.
- Running back Alvin Kamara.
- Defensive tackle Nathan Shepherd.
- Defensive end Nathan Latu.
However, several players were notably absent, including tight end Juwan Johnson, defensive tackle Bryan Bresee, right tackle Ryan Ramczyk, defensive end Chase Young, defensive tackle Jack Heflin, wide receiver Stanley Morgan Jr., tight end Tommy Hudson, defensive back Faion Hicks, defensive end Tanoh Kpassagnon, and linebacker Nephi Sewell.
Tight end Matthew Jacobson left the field early with a trainer, highlighting the ongoing injury concerns. Head coach Dennis Allen confirmed that Ramczyk’s absence was excused as he trains and rests from home while the others deal with injuries or illnesses.
A positive development was the increased participation of defensive end Cameron Jordan, who took part in full-team drills on a limited basis. Additionally, cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry worked with trainers on the side, indicating progress in his development.
New Faces Trying Out
The Saints evaluated several players trying out at practice, including safety Roderic Teamer, linebacker Jordan Smith, offensive tackle Cameron Wire, defensive tackle Camron Peterson, and wide receiver Russell Gage. Gage, a standout due to his previous performances, didn’t play last year due to a torn patellar tendon. He was a solid player for Atlanta, with back-to-back 700-yard seasons in 2020 and 2021, before moving to the Buccaneers in 2022, where he caught 51 passes for 426 yards.
Unfortunately, Smith left early with a trainer, potentially impacting his chances of making the team.
Kamara and Lattimore Return
Alvin Kamara’s return was a highlight, with the running back looking fit and agile. Although his role in team drills was limited, his movement suggested he was in good shape. His participation was particularly noteworthy as he missed the offensive install during organized team activities.
Running Back Rotation
The running back rotation presented an intriguing dynamic. Kamara is at the top of the depth chart, followed by Jamaal Williams. Interestingly, Jordan Mims appears to be positioned as the third running back, while Kendre Miller has not been as prominent, raising questions about his current standing and future potential. Despite high hopes for Miller to have a breakout season, he has yet to make a significant impact so far this summer.
Pete Werner’s Impressive Performance
Linebacker Pete Werner stood out during practice, demonstrating resilience and skill in response to the challenge posed by the team’s signing of Willie Gay Jr. Werner dominated a team drill period, showcasing excellent coverage, making key stops in the run game, and proving his readiness to compete for his position. While Gay also made a notable play stopping a Mims run, Werner’s overall performance was highlighted.
Special Teams Struggles
Special teams had a mixed day. Punter Lou Hedley, who previously showed promise with his impressive punts, had an inconsistent performance. His punts varied in hang time, with some falling short of the standards he set earlier in the summer.
Blake Grupe, the kicker, had a solid start, going 5-of-5 in field-goal attempts despite challenging wind conditions. However, he struggled later, missing two long attempts during the red-zone drills and ending the day 1-of-3.
Chris Olave Shines
Despite wearing a non-contact jersey due to a shoulder injury, wide receiver Chris Olave had a productive day. He made several notable catches, including a long touchdown reception from Derek Carr. Though under limited coverage, his performance was promising and indicative of his potential impact in the upcoming season.
Quarterback Performances: Carr and Haener
Both Derek Carr and Jake Haener had strong performances. Carr was sharp during 7-on-7 drills, completing only one of his six attempts. During team drills, he finished 6-for-9, making several impressive throws, though he struggled to lead the team to a scoring position in a simulated game scenario.
On the other hand, Haener looked exceptionally sharp, completing all his attempts during 7-on-7s and making crucial plays during team drills. His connection with Rashid Shaheed for a long touchdown was a standout moment.
Defensive Line Rotation
The defensive line saw a strategic rotation, with Carl Granderson, Nathan Shepherd, Khalen Saunders, and Cameron Jordan starting. Bryan Bresee’s return could see Shepherd shifting to the nose tackle position. Payton Turner and Isaiah Foskey rotated effectively, while Khristian Boyd and Kendal Vickers were the next men up on the interior.
Granderson, Foskey, and Shepherd all contributed positively during the practice, highlighting the depth and competitiveness of the defensive line.
Tuesday’s Saints minicamp practice provided valuable insights into the team’s current status, with notable performances from returning players, competitive battles for positions, and areas needing improvement. The Saints will refine their roster and strategies as the summer progresses, building towards a promising season ahead.
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