The New Orleans Saints opened their first organized team activity practice session to the media, and we’ve collected several big observations. These are voluntary practices, and veteran players typically miss them for one reason or another. They may be hosting a football camp in their community, rehabbing an injury, or simply had other plans. It doesn’t mean much that they weren’t present.
Josh Katzenstein of the Times-Picayune reported that players absent from this first session open to the media include:
- Cameron Jordan, defensive end
- Larry Warford, right guard
- Chris Banjo, safety
- Sheldon Rankins, defensive tackle
Rankins is still undergoing treatment after his Achilles tendon was surgically-repaired back in January. Jordan was present at last week’s OTA (per his social media accounts), but his, Warford’s, and Banjo’s absences weren’t explained. Which is fine; these are voluntary practices.
Additionally, Katzenstein and Mike Triplett of ESPN reported that two other players were limited as they recover from injuries. Wide receiver Cameron Meredith was seen working with a trainer after his second consecutive season ended on injured reserve. Defensive end Marcus Davenport was held out of team drills, instead only running the individual gauntlet, after February toe surgery. This checks out: the Saints need both guys healthy and running at full strength in training camp when July comes around, they should take things slowly in May.
With Warford out of the picture, we got our first look at top draft pick Erik McCoy — on the second-string offensive line. Larry Holder of the Athletic reported that McCoy was snapping the ball on the second team, with third-year backup Cameron Tom getting initial looks at center on the first team. They’re making the rookie earn his stripes this summer. Free agent signee Nick Easton lined up in Warford’s place at right guard, which makes sense. He’s played more snaps at guard than center in his NFL career.
It appears to have been a good start to the Saints offseason. No serious injuries, and the Saints clearly have a plan in place for working their rookies into the starting lineup once they’ve warranted it. There’s a long road ahead of us.
