The New Orleans Saints are facing the 2024 NFL season with a significant challenge as one of their key players, Ryan Ramczyk, has been placed on the reserve/physically unable to perform (PUP) list. The veteran right tackle, who recently underwent knee surgery during the offseason, is set to miss the first four games of the upcoming season as a result.
Over the past three years, Ramczyk has struggled to maintain consistent presence on the field, starting only 38 out of 50 games. This recurring knee issue caused him to miss the final four games of last season, and unfortunately, "Ramczyk's knee hadn't responded the way that they had hoped," according to head coach Dennis Allen.
Impact on the Saints' Offensive Line
Ramczyk’s absence is a significant blow to the Saints' offensive line, which has been a cornerstone of their offensive strategy. However, the road ahead offers some opportunity for young talents and new acquisitions to step up. In the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, the Saints picked Oregon State tackle Taliese Fuaga, who has been working primarily as the team's left tackle during offseason training. Fuaga’s performance in the initial games will be crucial as the team navigates through Ramczyk's absence.
Shuffling the Roster
Trevor Penning, a first-round pick from 2022, has also been taking reps at right tackle, filling in where needed. This shuffle could provide some flexibility and depth to the roster, though it remains to be seen how these younger players will perform under the pressure of regular-season games.
The Saints will have a five-week window following the four games Ramczyk is mandated to miss, during which he can begin practicing. Once he starts practice, the team will have a 21-day window to decide whether to activate him onto the 53-man roster. If the timeline does not go as planned, and Ramczyk is not activated within this period, he will remain on the PUP list for the rest of the season.
Injury Woes Continue
The issues do not end with Ramczyk for the Saints. Other key players have also been placed on the PUP list, including tight end Juwan Johnson, defensive end Tanoh Kpassagnon, linebacker Nephi Sewell, and defensive end Chase Young. Adding to the distress, wide receiver Chris Olave has been placed on the non-football injury list, further complicating the Saints’ preparations for the season start.
Challenges Ahead
These developments pose a daunting challenge for head coach Dennis Allen and his staff as they work to configure the best possible line-up to start the season. The team’s resilience and the adaptability of the younger players will be under the microscope as the season unfolds. Every game in the early part of the schedule will become critical as they attempt to stay competitive in a tough NFL landscape.
For the Saints fans, the hope is that the new and existing players can bridge the gap left by these injuries and keep the team in the hunt until their veterans, including Ramczyk, can return to the field. The next few weeks of practice will be telling, setting the tone for the season as it rapidly approaches.