The New Orleans Saints welcomed the local media back to another Organized Team Activities (OTAs) practice this week, giving an updated glimpse at the team’s progress and continued gameplan installation. Despite the on-field excitement, one of the biggest stories coming out of the second week of OTAs was instead connected to the surprise arrival of the team’s star running back, Alvin Kamara.
Alvin Kamara’s Surprise Return
Before the day’s practice began, head coach Kellen Moore announced that the running back had returned to the facility the same morning. It was an unexpected arrival as Kamara hasn’t participated in voluntary OTAs for multiple years. His presence on Wednesday further his comments about wanting to remain with the team.
During practice, Kamara participated in only limited drills including stretch and positional work, but didn’t get involved with 7-on-7s or walkthroughs.
Attendance
Not seen at practice:
- Running Back Kendre Miller
- Wide Receiver Chris Olave
- Punter Ryan Griffin (Not Injury Related)
- Defensive Tackle Zxavian Harris
- Defensive Tackle Nathan Shepherd (Not Injury Related)
- Defensive End Chase Young
Wide receivers Jordyn Tyson and Mason Tipton, rookie defensive tackle Christen Miller and rookie tight end Oscar Delp were all seen at practice but did not participate during the session.
Delp is a new absence from last week. He left briefly during the first open session before returning late and working off to the side. This week, Delp observed alongside the remainder of his position group.
Wide receiver Trey Palmer returned to practice and participated throughout the day.
Tyler Shough’s Day
Quarterback Tyler Shough completed six of his 10 passing attempts on the day. He saw two fewer reps than last week with quarterback Zach Wilson returning to the practice field. The two of them, along with Spencer Rattler each attempted 10 passes.
Here is the breakdown of each Shough throw:
- Shough incomplete to WR Devaughn Vele in the left flat, CB Kool-Aid McKinstry in coverage.
- Shough complete to TE Juwan Johnson underneath-middle, LB Kaden Elliss in coverage.
- Shough incomplete to WR Bub Means in the left-short area, McKinstry in coverage.
- Shough complete to WR Ronnie Bell in the intermediate-left area, CB Quincy Riley in coverage.
- Shough complete to Means in the intermediate-right area, McKinstry and S Justin Reid nearest in coverage.
- Shough complete to Johnson in the short-right area, McKinstry in the area along with DE Carl Granderson.
- Shough complete to WR Ja’Lynn Polk in the deep right area crossing the field, S Jonas Sanker in coverage.
- Shough complete to WR Kevin Austin Jr. in the deep right area scramble drill, S Julian Blackmon in coverage.
- Shough incomplete to Austin Jr. in the right flat, Riley in coverage.
- Shough incomplete in the deep right area with Riley in coverage.
Rattler completed six of his 10 attempts as well with one of his passes being intercepted. The interception came on a tip drill in which Rattler targeted rookie wideout Bryce Lance. Cornerback Isaac Yiadom crashed down over the top and created contact that led to the ball being propelled into the air. Newly-signed cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. came down with the interception.
Wilson completed seven of his 10 passing attempts with his final attempt almost being picked off after being thrown to an open area of the field in what appeared to be a miscommunication. Safety Elliott Davison almost came up with the interception, but wasn’t able to hold on to it.
Jonas Sanker Continues To Hold Lead For STAR/Slot
The Saints’ STAR/slot position is continuing to get clearer and clearer with Sanker still leading the way. Behind him, in order, were cornerback Jayden Price and corner Beanie Bishop. Last week safety Terrell Burgess was involved in the rotation. That appeared to change (at least temporarily) in the second week.
Backup Center Rotation Has New Contender
While offensive lineman Torricelli Simpkins III remains at the top of the backup center rotation, second-year lineman Easton Kilty joined the mix on Wednesday. He was second in the rotation.
Extra Notes
- Director of Sports Performance, Ted Rath, led another fun competition, a “Big Man Punt Catch Challenge” in which a number of offensive and defensive linemen were given a chance to field punts.
- Catches: DL Bryan Bresee, EDGE Mike Heldman, DL Keeshawn Silver, DL Coziah Izard and DL Myles Cole
- Misses: DL John Ridgeway III, DL Khristian Boyd, EDGE Chris Rumph II, EDGE Carl Granderson, EDGE Fadil Diggs, T Kelvin Banks Jr. and G Jeremiah Wright.
- Kicker Mason Shipley again went 4/5 on field goal attempts, making him 8/10 in his two practices in front of the media.
- Makes: Extra point, 35-left, 41-left and 44-right.
- Miss: 38-right
- After having 10 players field punts last week, the number of kick and punt returns in total reduced to eight this week. Rookie wide receiver Barion Brown continues to be early in those rotations, as expected.
- The two best catches of the day were from Polk and Austin on back-to-back throws from Shough in the deep right area as they were crossing the field. Shough’s arm angle was impressive on the connection with Polk while the Austin completion took place on a simulated scramble drill.
