For the second time, the New Orleans Saints will welcome the local media to their team facility to observe the team’s latest Organized Team Activities (OTAs) practice. While the team will be holding its fourth such practice, it will be the media’s second exposure to the team’s early process.
While observing, many storylines will continue to develop including position battles, backup roles and receivers processes. Among those storylines, three players could be most informative to watch throughout the day.
Safety Jonas Sanker
The STAR/slot role has been one of the biggest stories to follow all offseason in New Orleans. Second-year safety Jonas Sanker led off the rotation during the first open OTA practice. The Saints won’t settle position battles this early, but they’ve already shown where players stand in the rotation.
Should Sanker remain atop the rotation, the decision at the position becomes increasingly clear. Much like last season, in which there was curiosity around where first-round selection Kelvin Banks Jr. would line up, the Saints are potentially giving the answer right away.
Wide Receiver Jordyn Tyson
The receiver’s progress for first-round wideout Jordyn Tyson will continue to be a dominating focus until the season begins.
Tyson appeared to be heavily involved during the first practice of rookie minicamp, but has been limited since then. The Saints insist there was no new injury following the first exposure, but that his involvement is planned to include fluctuation throughout the offseason as the team focuses on having him available for training camp.
Seeing him more involved in the second week would be a promising sign, but New Orleans appears committed to the ramp up ahead of the offseason break.
Running Back Travis Etienne Jr.
The most proven veteran playmaker added during the offseason, back Travis Etienne Jr. brings a lot of promise to the Saints’ offense. While it appears that incumbent back Alvin Kamara is prepared to be a part of the team in 2026, the Saints don’t appear to have made a final decision on that possibility just yet.
With that, the comfort level of Etienne and his home run abilities will be keenly watched. He is expected to become one of the team’s most important playmakers in 2026. Continuing to establish himself and impress now brings a lot of hope for the team’s offense to produce.
