Saints QB battle, O-Line set for big test in Rams joint practice

By Ross Jackson

As the New Orleans Saints brace for their newly-scheduled joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams, much of the focus will be on two position groups for the most part: quarterback and offensive line. 

The new competition should be seen as a chance to further the information needed to make a decision at quarterback between second-year passer Spencer Rattler and rookie Tyler Shough. But also, because of the Rams’ best position group, the Saints’ offensive line should see the biggest challenge of the day. 

Rams Edge Rushers Will Test Saints’ Tackles

Rams pass rushers Jared Verse and Byron Young were a dynamic and impactful duo last year. Verse had 4.5 sacks and 76 pressures (No. 4 in the NFL, per Next Gen Stats). Meanwhile, Young piled on 7.5 sacks on the season. 

Per TruMedia via the Locked On Saints Podcast, Verse spent most of his season lined up over the left tackle (462 snaps). That should line him up quite a bit throughout Thursday’s practice over rookie Kelvin Banks Jr. He also took 236 snaps over the right tackle, meaning Taliese Fuaga should see some work against him as well. 

Similarly, Young focused over the right tackle last year for 517 snaps, but still took 222 over the offensive left side as well. 

So both Fuaga and Banks should be tested by both of these effective pass rushers. 

A Test For The Interior

Along with Verse and Young competing on the edge, Rams defensive tackle Braden Fiske adds another challenging element on the interior. 

The former Florida State lineman compiled 8.5 sacks last year, among the most for defensive tackles in 2025. He’s a pass rusher through and through from his 3-4 defensive end spot in defensive coordinator Chris Shula’s defense. 

His athleticism and disruptive presence should present a fitting trial for the Saints’ offensive interior, which is presently without presumed starting left guard Trevor Penning.