By Ross Jackson
IRVINE – Each day of New Orleans Saints training camp, we will bring you the five most important pieces of information that you need. From big plays, to notable comments and important health updates, you will have everything you need to know from Saints camp each day in a quick and easily-digestible five-point list.
- With his extra reps, rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler was impressive.
Second-year passer Jake Haener was out on Monday while getting a procedure done that was linked to treatment he is receiving for his skin cancer diagnosis. In his stead, starting quarterback Derek Carr and the rookie Rattler took all of the snaps at quarterback.
During his extended exposure and playing time, Rattler impressed with some nice downfield connections, showing a bit of his elusiveness and running ability while also showcasing good decision-making. He looked like a leader out there, which will be a big need should he ever step into a starting role in future years.
In an end of drive simulation, he was given 1:40 on the clock and charged to drive 70 yards to get into field goal range. He did so by going 3/4 on the drive, leading the team to a 46-yard field goal attempt. Unfortunately, the field goal was missed by kicker Blake Grupe, who his from 48 on Carr’s drive.
The battle between Rattler and Haener is still too close to call at this time, but the preseason should allow the two a chance to create some separation.
- Defensive linemen Payton Turner and Nathan Shepherd returned quickly from their toe injuries.
Both of the defensive linemen were already back and participating, though lightly, in practice. Toe injuries, especially for big men, are never great news on the injury front. Seeing them back so soon, especially Turner who missed an all but two games (Week 1 and Week 18) with a toe injury. For Turner, proving he can stay on the field will be valuable for his future projections. Talent has never been the concern with the former first-round pick. But this year is an important one for him to showcase what he can do to stay on the field.
- Wide receiver Rashid Shaheed still has yet to return to practice, but there does not seem to be much concern
A few days ago, head coach Dennis Allen referred to “hamstring tightness” as the reason that the All-Pro and Pro Bowl returner was held out of practice. His further remarks expressed that Shaheed would be back sooner rather than later. As of now, that has not been the case. He has not yet made his return to the field, even in a side-work capacity. Despite that, there does not seem to be much concern around the wideout’s health. We will see if he starts to show up a bit more often in upcoming practices.
- Starting signal caller Derek Carr had a good day as well.
Carr also lead a successful end of game drive. He connected on 4-of-7 passes (one was a spike), getting the team in range for a 48-yard field goal. He did it while also connecting with wide receiver Chris Olave on a 4th and 5 to keep the drive alive. One of the reasons New Orleans selected Carr as its new quarterback an offseason ago was because of his fourth quarter and game-winning drive history. Carr currently has the third-most game-winning drives among active quarterbacks with 34. He trails Los Angeles Rams passer Matthew Stafford (44) and Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (39).
- Saints coaches will spend Tuesday’s day off building their game plan and more prep for Saturday’s game against the Cardinals.
With the day off on Tuesday, Allen says the coaches will begin looking ahead to what they want to spend the next two days preparing in regard to their first preseason game this weekend. The team is expected to finish its install on both sides of the ball by Thursday before traveling on Friday. They and the Arizona Cardinals will square off Saturday at 7:00 p.m. CT. In that matchup, healthy starters are likely to see action, however the Cardinals are not planning to play quarterback Kyler Murray per their head coach Jonathan Gannon.
