Saints players report for training camp in Irvine, California today, but it’s unsure whether star running back Alvin Kamara will be present after the 28-year-old left the last day of mandatory minicamp amid contract disputes. The Advocate’s Luke Johnson said it wouldn’t make sense for Kamara not to play this season, but he may not be on the practice field when camp kicks off Wednesday.
“He could very well be there when the team reports and play through it and still hope for the extension, but I think the fact that he was absent for the last day of veteran minicamp and that he kind of made a point of leaving right when practice was starting, I think that kind of signals to me that some kind of holdout is imminent.”
A key position battle throughout camp will be on the offensive line which expects to see three new starters with former All-Pro right tackle Ryan Ramczyk expected to miss the season. First-round pick Taliese Fuaga should have the left tackle spot secured, and Johnson says the team likes last year’s fourth-round pick Nick Saldiveri at left guard. Johnson said most of the pressure will fall on 2022 first-rounder Trevor Penning who lost the starting left tackle spot last offseason.
“He’s dealt with a lot of injuries. Up until this season, he’s never had a full offseason to prepare for an NFL season, but this is a prove-it year. If he doesn’t get it done this year, if he doesn’t earn a starting job out of training camp, that might be it for him in New Orleans.”
The Saints defense under Dennis Allen has rarely been a concern, but with aging stars and holes in the defensive front, Johnson has his doubts. Allen’s group performed to standard last season thanks to their ability to turn the ball over and get stops on third down- two stats without much year-to-year consistency. Johnson’s learned to trust Allen but he’s yet to be convinced.
“I need to see Marshon Lattimore stay healthy. I need to see Pete Werner bounce back from a really rough third season. I need to see Paulson Adebo continue to play for a high level, put it together for back-to-back years. I need to see Alontae Taylor take a step forward playing the slot. I think there’s a chance for the defense to take a step back this year even if the offense is better.”
The Saints kickoff preseason August 10 against the Cardinals
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