Posted on Jul 19
Saints place RT Ryan Ramczyk on reserve/PUP list, ruling him out for the entire season.
u/alex •
New Orleans, LA -- In a significant blow to the New Orleans Saints, right tackle Ryan Ramczyk has been placed on the reserve/physically unable to perform (PUP) list, indicating that he will miss the entire season. The news comes as a disappointment for the Saints and their fans, as Ramczyk has been a key piece of their offensive line since being drafted in 2017.
Ramczyk's absence from Saints headquarters throughout the offseason raised concerns about his availability for the opening practice of training camp. It has now been revealed that he has been rehabilitating from a knee injury that has been bothering him for over a year. The decision to place Ramczyk on the reserve/PUP list was made prior to the final roster cuts, signaling the team's acknowledgment of his inability to contribute this season.
With Ramczyk sidelined, the Saints will be forced to start the regular season with new starters at both offensive tackle positions and one guard position. The remaining starters from the Saints' 2023 offensive line are center Erik McCoy and guard Cesar Ruiz. This sudden shift in the offensive line lineup poses a challenge for the team as they aim to maintain the same level of protection for their quarterback and open up running lanes for their talented backfield.
During offseason practices, rookie Taliese Fuaga has taken first-team snaps at left tackle, hoping to fill the void left by Ramczyk. Fuaga, a promising young talent, will face a steep learning curve as he adjusts to the speed and physicality of the NFL. Additionally, Trevor Penning, a 2022 first-round draft choice, has been given first-team snaps at right tackle, demonstrating the team's confidence in his ability to contribute in Ramczyk's absence.
At the guard position, Nick Saldiveri, a 2023 fourth-round pick, has been given first-team snaps at left guard. These young players will need to rise to the occasion and prove their worth as they step into significant roles on the offensive line for the Saints.
The Saints will spend the first three weeks of training camp in Southern California before returning to their New Orleans headquarters. This extended period away from home presents an opportunity for the team to build chemistry and develop a cohesive unit on the offensive line, despite the absence of Ramczyk.
"The move means Ramczyk will miss the entire season because he's a vested veteran and was placed on reserve/PUP prior to final roster cuts," stated the team's official statement. It is undoubtedly a disappointing turn of events for Ramczyk, who had established himself as one of the league's premier offensive tackles. The Saints will need to find ways to compensate for his absence and ensure the protection of their quarterback throughout the season.
As the Saints navigate through the challenges posed by Ramczyk's absence, the team and its fans can only hope for a swift and full recovery for the talented right tackle.