As the New Orleans Saints kicked off mandatory minicamp this week, only one player was excused: Ryan Ramczyk.
That was part of the plan for the Saints' longtime right tackle as he attempts to rehab from a balky knee. But as Dennis Allen explained the situation to reporters on Tuesday, it was clear that no news is not good news.
“I think the plan all along is for him to have been back home resting, doing his rehab plan there. We’ve got a plan for him," Allen said. "You know, certainly we don’t have to make any decisions now, but I haven’t seen the progress that I was hoping to see.”
The comments were in line with what the head coach said the last time he spoke to Ramczyk's health, but it certainly doesn't inspire confidence that the veteran right tackle will be back on the field this season. When asked about any potential timeline for a return, Allen kept it simple.
"We don't have a timeline," he said.
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Ramczyk's knee has been a topic of conversation since he was shut down late in the 2023 season and indicated he'd have to speak with doctors and determine a course of action. He admitted at the time that an end to his career could be on the table under certain circumstances. The former Wisconsin standout has been a stalwart on the Saints OL since he was picked in the first round of the 2017 draft, starting 101 games, including an All Pro nod in 2019.
The news, or you might say non-news, just serves to shine an even brighter spotlight on Trevor Penning's transition to right tackle. Allen said it's still too early to make any determinations on that spot. Still, someone will have to man it, and they'll be expected to play across from a rookie in Taliese Fuaga on the left side. There will also be a new face starting at left guard, with second-year pro Nick Saldiveri taking first-team reps so far.
"We’ll have plenty of time to make those evaluations," Allen said, "but I wouldn’t overload my stock in anything you’re seeing out here right now.”