The New Orleans Saints are bracing for a challenging start to the 2024 NFL season as they grapple with multiple significant injuries. Among the key players sidelined is star offensive tackle Ryan Ramczyk, who has been placed on the reserve/physically unable to perform (PUP) list. This designation means Ramczyk will be unavailable for at least the first four games of the season.
Ramczyk's Struggles with Knee Issues
Ramczyk has endured a tumultuous past few years with knee problems that have severely impacted his availability. Over the last three NFL seasons, he has managed to start only 38 out of 50 games. The knee troubles culminated in offseason surgery, which stems from an injury that initially forced him to miss the final four games of the previous regular season.
Head coach Dennis Allen offered insight into Ramczyk's ongoing battle with his knee, saying, "Ramczyk's knee hadn't responded the way that they had hoped." The Saints were undoubtedly hoping for a smoother recovery process, but Ramczyk's struggle to regain fitness means the team will have to navigate the opening of their campaign without one of their cornerstone offensive linemen.
Implications of Being on the PUP List
With his PUP list status, Ramczyk is compelled to sit out the first four games of the upcoming season. Following this mandated absence, the Saints will have a precise five-week window during which Ramczyk can potentially return to practice. Once he starts practicing, the team will then have a 21-day period to decide whether to activate him onto the 53-man roster. Should Ramczyk remain inactive, he will be on the PUP list for the remainder of the season.
The Saints' Offensive Line Adjustments
In the wake of Ramczyk's absence, the Saints are recalibrating their offensive line strategy. The team used their first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft to select Oregon State tackle Taliese Fuaga. Fuaga has predominantly been working as the left tackle during offseason training, and his development will be crucial for the Saints as they look to fill the void left by Ramczyk.
On the other side of the line, Trevor Penning, a first-round pick from 2022, has been taking reps at right tackle. Penning’s performance in this role will be under close scrutiny as the Saints aim to maintain a solid protective front for their quarterback.
Other Significant Absences
Ramczyk is not the only Saint dealing with injury woes. Tight end Juwan Johnson, defensive end Tanoh Kpassagnon, linebacker Nephi Sewell, and defensive end Chase Young have all been placed on the PUP list. Additionally, wide receiver Chris Olave finds himself on the non-football injury list. These absences collectively create a considerable challenge for the Saints coaching staff as they gear up for the season's start.
The raft of injuries has forced the team into a position where depth and resilience will be tested. The Saints will likely lean on less experienced players and newcomers to step up and fill the gaps left by their sidelined teammates.
As the Saints march toward the new season, their resilience and depth will be critically tested. The series of injuries, particularly the uncertain timeline surrounding Ramczyk’s return, will be a narrative to watch. Coach Dennis Allen and his staff will need to navigate these early hurdles if they hope to remain competitive in a challenging NFL landscape.