As the New Orleans Saints gear up to take on the 2024 NFL season, they are facing a significant challenge on their offensive line. Star right tackle Ryan Ramczyk, a key player for the Saints, has been placed on the reserve/physically unable to perform (PUP) list. This development stems from ongoing knee issues that have plagued him, particularly over the last season.
Ramczyk's Ongoing Knee Struggles
Ramczyk's knee problems have been a recurring theme in recent years. Over the past three seasons, the 29-year-old has managed to start only 38 out of a possible 50 games. These knee issues became particularly troublesome towards the end of last season when they sidelined him for the final four games. Head coach Dennis Allen expressed disappointment, stating, "Ramczyk's knee hadn't responded the way that they had hoped."
In an effort to address the problem, Ramczyk underwent knee surgery in the offseason. Despite this, his knee has not recovered sufficiently, leading to his placement on the PUP list. This decision mandates that Ramczyk will miss the first four games of the upcoming season. Following this period, the Saints will have a five-week window to evaluate his readiness to begin practicing.
Saints' Roster Adjustments
As Ramczyk starts the season on the sidelines, the Saints have been making key adjustments to their roster. In the 2024 NFL Draft, the team selected Oregon State tackle Taliese Fuaga in the first round. Fuaga has been mainly working as the team's left tackle during offseason training, while Trevor Penning, a first-round pick from 2022, has been taking on reps at right tackle. This indicates the coaching staff's trust in these young players to step up in Ramczyk's absence.
Additionally, the Saints have seen other critical players placed on the PUP list. Tight end Juwan Johnson, defensive end Tanoh Kpassagnon, linebacker Nephi Sewell, and defensive end Chase Young are all currently on the list. To add to their woes, wide receiver Chris Olave has been placed on the non-football injury list.
The Road to Ramczyk's Return
Ramczyk's journey back to the field is strictly regulated. After the initial four games of the season, the Saints will observe a five-week period during which Ramczyk can begin to practice with the team. Once practicing starts, a 21-day window will open for the Saints' management to determine whether to move Ramczyk to the active 53-man roster. If he is not activated within this window, Ramczyk will remain on the PUP list for the rest of the season, sidelining him indefinitely.
While the Saints have to navigate the start of the season without their star right tackle, the coaching staff's focus remains on integrating new talent into their gameplay. The performance of newcomers Taliese Fuaga and Trevor Penning will be crucial in maintaining the integrity and strength of the offensive line.
As the Saints face these adjustments, the resilience and adaptability of the team will be tested. The front office and coaching staff will need to make the right calls to ensure they compensate for the temporary loss of key players, including Ramczyk, and maintain their competitive edge in the highly challenging NFL landscape.