Veteran offensive tackle Ryan Ramczyk has been on a bit of a roller coaster over the last year, dealing with a knee injury. Late last season, Ramczyk detailed the issue with his knee, and admitted that it could unfortunately cut his career short. However, early this offseason, Ramczyk underwent a knee procedure, and there was optimism that he’d be able to get back on the field this year.
Unfortunately, that optimism didn't last long, as New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen revealed to the media that Ramczyk’s knee didn’t respond to the surgery like everyone hoped, and that it was unclear if he’d be able to play in 2024. This led to the team hoping for the best, but preparing as if he won’t play this season.
Now that the Saints have started mandatory minicamp, Allen was asked what’s the latest update on Ramczyk’s health. The update was no update at all, as Allen explained that everything is still uncertain, with the situation not trending in a positive or a negative direction. However, that reality is a negative for the Saints.
Ryan Ramczyk’s knee still hasn’t had the progress Saints hoped for
Ramczyk hasn’t been with the team, as everyone feels it’s best that he stays home and rehabs. Unfortunately, there haven't been any strides in that rehab, and as the days go by, the season gets closer. That means New Orleans is closer to a reality that Ramczyk won’t be suiting up in 2024— at least not at the start of the year.
That's not good for the Saints, because Ramczyk has been their most consistent lineman since being drafted in 2017. The offensive line already struggled in 2023, and underwent significant change this offseason, and now they could also be without Ramczyk. That would force New Orleans to rely on two young, and unproven linemen at both tackle spots: Taliese Fuaga and Trevor Penning.
