Weather forced the Saints indoors today for the team’s 4th practice of training camp following a day off on Sunday. The team remained in shells while full-pads come on tomorrow. Coach Sean Payton said DT Lorenzo Neal and DB Lawrence Woods were waived while TE Dylan Soehner was put on the injured reserve list. All 3 are undrafted rookies. Corner Grant Haley remains absent for personal reasons.
Four new faces were added to the roster and all were present in RB Devonta Freeman, OL JR Sweezy, CB Prince Amukamara and CB KeiVarae Russell
Coach Payton explained that the interest in Freeman came about with Ty Montgomery spending more time at wide reliever, leaving the team short at running back. Payton has also been a big fan of Freeman and his versatile skill set, going up against him frequently while he was with the Atlanta Falcons.
Winston vs Hill QB battle
Jameis Winston was working with the first team offense again and had a solid day, while Taysom Hill wasn’t as consistent with his deep passes.
The play of the day came when Wisnton tossed a 40-yard TD in team drills on a fade to Marquez Callaway. The receiver seems to be a focal point early on and has looked like the team’s top target with Michael Thomas out over Tre’Quan Smith.
Hill underthrew his first deep pass of the day to an open Chris Hogan, but on the very next play hit a streaking Lil’Jordan Humphrey for a huge gain. He also connected with Adam Trautman over the middle, threading the needle to hit the tight end between the linebacker and safety. Trautman’s effort was outstanding, giving full extension for the grab.
Busy day one for Freeman
Devonta Freeman showed that he still runs with good burst at his first Black & Gold practice, and expressed how happy he was to wear the colors. The 29-year-old was the enemy most of his career in Atlanta, but you could tell he is overjoyed about the opportunity to play in New Orleans.
“I’m gassed up,” was his response when asked if there is anything left in the tank. Freeman
Number change for Kamara?
For the 2nd straight practice session, Alvin Kamara hit the field wearing #6 instead of #41. Is this a permanent change for the star running back? Tommylee Lewis was initially listed on the roster with the #6 when he signed, but is now wearing #12.
Kamara was six back in his college days at Tennessee. He ranks second in scrimmage yards and total touchdowns in the NFL since being a 3rd round section in 2017.