The Saints have kicked off OTAs, and it was notable for both who was there and who wasn't.
TE Foster Moreau got a full day's work in just months after he was first diagnosed with cancer, while a pair of rookie draft pick continue to work back from injuries.
Here are some observations from a busy Day 1 out at the facility in Metairie.
TAKING ATTENDANCE
OTAs are voluntary, and that typically means a handful of veterans not in attendance. That was the case, with most of the absences predictable.
Players not spotted on Tuesday:
- TE Taysom Hill
- WR Michael Thomas
- CB Marshon Lattimore
- RB Alvin Kamara
- S J.T. Gray
- LB Demario Davis
- OL Nick Saldiveri
- RT Ryan Ramczyk
- OL James Hurst
- G Andrus Peat
Head coach Dennis Allen said he's been in contact with any player not in attendance, and he'd expect to see a smaller number of absences as the offseason continues. One player stands out among the absences in 4th round pick Nick Saldiveri. He's dealing with a calf injury.
A handful of other players dealing with injuries were on-hand but not participating in drills. That group included LT Trevor Penning (foot), RG Cesar Ruiz (foot) and RB Kendre Miller (knee). TE Miller Forristall was also limited.
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MOREAU A FULL GO
Foster Moreau made it clear there'd be no limitations from the cancer he was battling over the offseason, but until he showed up and worked out with the team, it was fair to be skeptical.
That was very much the case on Day 1 of OTAs, with the veteran TE catching multiple passes in drills. He was even on the field during a set of third-team reps, indication there are virtually no limitations, if any. A remarkable story that the Saints are more than happy to watch play out this offseason.
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DEREK CARR, NOT A SLEEVES GUY
Not a huge observation beyond the fact that I can't recall another QB that practiced sleeveless. He also made sure to point out that it wasn't that hot, and he's not necessarily wrong.
Acclimating to the New Orleans weather is going to be a factor for a lot of players, but it seems like Carr is making it a personal challenge. I suppose coming from Vegas means he's used to living in an oven. Training camp will be a different animal, though.
Most notable is that he already looks pretty comfortable in an offense that we know he's learning on the fly. He went 8-for-8 in team drills, though with a heavy dose of the short passing game.
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D'MARCO JACKSON GETTING A LOOK
The Saints didn't make any notable additions at linebacker this offseason, and that means a few things, one being they're at least somewhat comfortable with the players in the room.
That group includes second-year linebacker D'Marco Jackson, whom it appears will get a long look after spending his rookie year on IR after the Saints selected him in the 5th round out of Appalachian State. He was in on first-team reps on the first day of OTAs. The absence of several key defensive players made for more reps to be had, but it's still something worth watching.
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JUWAN JOHNSON, BUSINESSLIKE
The days of watching Juwan Johnson and wondering whether he can ascend into a consistent role at the TE position are over. The expectations are set and it's his job to reach them.
He looks very much like a player who understands that. Getting to work and looking confident as ever as he continues to carve out a key role in this Saints offense. Carr had a lot of success throwing to a similar player in Darren Waller, and the highlight of the day was a dart from Carr up the seam with Johnson making a leaping grab.
It's been a while since this Saints team had a true, difference-making TE from week to week. That could change this season.
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THIRD TIME'S THE CHARM FOR A.T.
A.T. Perry is in the NFL for a very specific reason: He's a battle-catch guy. Back shoulder fades and jump balls. They have to be his and he has to be adept at making plays on the ball at its highest point.
It's not a coincidence that he got three chances to do that on the first day of OTAs, and he missed on his first two chances (one from Jameis Winston and the other from Jake Haener).
He got one more look from Haener, a ball that was delivered low and behind Perry, which he adjusted to well and made the grab. He's got plenty of time to work and improve, but that's the part of his game that has to be more consistent if he wants to make an impact on this roster.
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BIG PLAY OF THE DAY
There was only one real deep shot at Tuesday's practice, and it was completed. Still, there's a question of whether it was a good throw. Carr took the snap and ran a play fake before rolling to the backside.
He set to throw, and unleashed something of a floater downfield. The good news: Chris Olave made a good adjustment and went up in the air for the acrobatic catch. Carr said his goal was to give Olave a chance on Day 1, and his WR delivered. It's an area of Olave's game he needed to improve, and that's a positive thing.
Still, it's not hard to see a scenario where that ball gets intercepted in a game when the defense is able to assert themselves with more contact. I'd like to see that type of throw be a bit more crisp, but on Day 1 of OTAs, I appreciate the attitude.