The Saints had their first indoor practice of training camp due to the weather conditions, but that didn’t stop the players from bringing the energy and the physicality that we saw yesterday. The identity of this team is built on the toughness and physicality of the players, which is why there’s a lot of aggression in these practices.
Outside of training camp it’s been an eventful news day. The Saints are dealing with injuries, worked out a few guys, and dealing with the suspension of Kawaan Baker. We have that all covered in today’s article.
Attendance
As expected Taysom Hill wasn’t at the facility as he recovers from his rib injury which occurred Thursday. Safety Tyrann Mathieu has yet to make an appearance as he attends to personal family matters.
The rest of the guys absent included Dylan Mabin, Rashid Shaheed, Marcus Davenport, and Payton Turner. Since the practice was indoors they weren’t spotted compared to if the practice was outdoors they’d be working to the side with the trainer.
We finally saw Pete Werner and Juwan Johnson back in the lineup. Werner said the injury he’s been dealing with was a groin injury. Werner was activated off the NFI list yesterday and passed his physical. He mentioned that he’s 100% sure he’ll be ready for the season.
As for Johnson, he participated in walkthrough and and individual drills as well as team drills. He’s getting back in the mix of playing again.
Michael Thomas was back at the field once again and looking good. His cuts are looking stronger and his speed is getting back to where it needs to be. Thomas is still limited to no full team drills, but its looking more and more like we’ll see him in those team drills very soon.
It was a veteran day off for a lot of guys. They were at the practice but not participating. Those guys included Alvin Kamara, Demario Davis, and Chauncey Gardner-Johnson.
Who Stood Out
Tuesday’s practice was arguably the best one for Jameis Winston. During the 7 on 7 portion of practice Jameis went 10/11 passing. This practice not only showed Jameis’ ability to throw deep, but it showcased his mobility. There were plays where Jamies was rolling out and scambling. Another thing that stood out is his short passing game. His eyes weren’t always downfield, he took the check down when pretty often.
Once again second year cornerback Paulson Adebo stood out. The so far camp MVP had two nice pass break ups during the 7 on 7 portion of camp. He’s looking like a more physical cornerback and someone who has confidence in themselves. Two very important attributes to have when playing corner, especially in the Saints defensive system.
The running back three competition is starting to heat up with Devine Ozigbo having a good day today. Ozigbo had a pair of nice runs with some broken tackles. His name is getting in the mix with Abram Smith for that third running back position.
What’s going on at Tight end?
The tight end position has been an area of concern. With what’s going on in the tight end room it’s smart of the Saints to address that position and get some new faces.
For those who don’t know Taysom Hill is out for a little while as he recovers from two cracked ribs. Juwan Johnson is now getting back from an injury so the Saints have been short on tight ends.
The guys who have been in the room include Adam Trautman, Nick Vannett, and J.P. Holtz. While Adam Trautman has been having a good camp, the other two have been underwhelming. This led to the Saints working out some guys and signing someone.
A guy who the Saints had workout was tight end Chris Herndon. That led to a signing and some good depth. The four year tight end has totaled 75 receptions on 110 targets for 836 yards and eight touchdowns.
The Saints worked out tight end MyCole Pruitt, a seven year NFL veteran. In his career, he’s totaled18 targets and 14 receptions for 145 yards and three touchdowns. No signing has occurred as of now.
Two other tight ends worked out for the Saints. Ryan Izzo and Stephen Carlson.
Trevor Penning
The first round left tackle had a rough first day in pads, but had a better second day. The rookie still has growth and learning to do as every young player does.
Penning’s struggles on day two of pads were more mental than they were to his blocking. On two occasions he had a false start which led to him being takin out of the lineup for a play.
Blocking wise Penning is getting under the skin of his opposing defensive teammates. There were two scuffles today, one in which Penning was blocking J.T. Gray downfield and played through the whistle. There was shoving and some post play action.
On another occasion Penning drove Scott Patchan to the ground after the whistle. Blocking wise a possible holding penalty might’ve been thrown, but Penning’s hands were at the chest plate and drove his feet.
Smoke Monday
In the first indoor practice of camp the Saints get their first knee injury. Smoke Monday is believed to have either a torn mcl or torn acl. This is believed to be because of the turf, and it’s reasonable. The Saints hadn’t had any real knee or ankle injuries for five days. The first day practicing on turf, results in a possible season ending injury.
Kawann Baker
Saints 2021 7th round pick, Kawaan Baker has been suspended for six regular season games due to violating the NFL’s performance enhancing substance policy. Baker was having a good camp, but ultimately the road for him to make the roster was a long shot as a receiver. I thought he could’ve made it as a gunner, but this suspension will most likely solidify him being cut.
Highlights
The play of the day was a 50 yard bomb from Jamies Winston to Deonte Harty who beat safety Justin Evans.
On a pass down the right sideline intended for Easop Winston, Paulson Adebo broke up the pass.
Second round cornerback had a nice pass breakup on a 10 yard out route intended for Kirk Merritt with Andy Dalton at quarterback.
Winston showed off his mobility during 11-11 when he rolled out right and found an open Chris Olave for 15-20 yards.
Ian Book had a pass to Deonte Harty which was stripped out by Zack Baun.
Safety Bryce Thompson had a nice pass break up on a pass from Book intended for Easop Winston.
Linebacker Eric Wilson flattened Adam Prentice on a run play.
Tanoh Kpassagnon sacked Jameis, but since there is no contact the play resulted in a leaping catch from Kirk Merritt over the middle with Bradley Roby in coverage.
Paulson Adebo had another pass breakup on a slant pass from Andy Dalton intended for Kirk Merritt.
What’s next
The next Saints practice will be Wednesday and will be open to the media and fans barring a weather change.
Written by Kadin Janisch
Related articles here
