Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
By Ross Jackson
As training camp approaches, there is cause for excitement and intrigue around the New Orleans Saints. With a new-look coaching staff and changing schemes, approaches and identity in tow, New Orleans is hoping to get back to its winning ways in 2025.
Before they get there, there will be some key health questions that will have to be answered beyond last year’s question of “can they stay healthy?”
New Orleans kicks-off camp on Wednesday, June 22, but typically has media availability the day before. With that, there are some major injury questions many will hope to see answered as camp begins.
When will Taysom Hill be back?
Hill suffered a significant knee injury in last year’s Week 13 contest against the Los Angeles Rams. The Dec. 1 injury, which included at least a torn ACL, typically requires around nine months of recovery time for athletes. That would mean Hill is likely to miss training camp and potentially the start of the season.
Hill had surgery this offseason and did not participate in OTAs or minicamps, though he made a brief appearance on the sideline during the team’s first mandatory minicamp practice.
New Orleans could place Hill on the Physically Unable to Perform list as early as Tuesday when players report.
That alone will answer a lot of the lingering questions about the ninth-year pro. Getting at least a loose timeline on his target return would be a welcome update.
Is Foster Moreau good to go for camp?
Like Hill, Moreau had a late-season injury in January that required surgery this offseason. The initial expectation was that Moreau could be back for training camp or at least the start of the season. The tight end told Rod Walker of NOLA.com that he is ahead of schedule and would be happy with returning on either of those timelines.
The sooner, the better for New Orelans who will have to manage at least some injury at a key position on the field with young quarterbacks at the helm.
Moreau also did not participate in OTAs and minicamp, however he was present each day working off to the side. He worked both on his own with trainers and also took time to assist his position group in drills.
Any surprises?
There is always the possibility of some offseason surprise that no one saw coming. It could be related to an injury that was perceived as minor during the offseason period, something that worsened over time or even something that took place while players were away and trying to stay in shape between minicamps and training camp.
The Saints would like to avoid these possibilities after making it through the offseason mostly unscathed. However, there were some minor injuries that popped up throughout OTAs and minicamp.
Offensive lineman Nick Saldiveri, rookie safety Jonas Sanker and undrafted rookie cornerback Dallys Beanum each had to manage what were considered minor ailments during that period. Rookie cornerback Quincy Riley returned from an offseason procedure he had after being drafted. Ideally, each player is back on the field and ready to go on June 23.
