The New Orleans Saints were back on the field at their home facility for a full practice on Tuesday. The day’s most anxious moments included an injury scare involving the team’s top receiver, Chris Olave, that appears to be minor, some new faces in the facility and efficient situational work from the offense.
Olave Injury Scare
On the final play for the first-team offense against the second-team defense, quarterback Tyler Shough targeted wide receiver Olave deep down the field. In trying to make the play over rookie cornerback TJ Hall, Olave landed hard on his back.
Olave slowly got to his feet before trainers and teammates checked on him. He left the practice field early.
After practice, head coach Kellen Moore updated the media, saying that the early belief was that Olave simply had the wind knocked out him upon the fall.
“It looked like he got the wind knocked out of him,” he said. “Just took him a second to get up.”
Moore was also not aware of any needs for additional tests following the fall. That should have brought a sigh of relief to all involved.
It’s worth mentioning, too, that before the moment Olave left the field, he had an outstanding catch down the sideline while matched up with starting cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry. He leapt and made the catch working back toward the corner, reaching over with outstretched arms to haul in the deep pass, which he celebrated the big play for the offense.
New Faces Make Their Debut
Even though kicker Daniel Carlson didn’t attempt any kicks at practice, he did meet with the media for the first time, as did newly acquired running back Zamir White, who did participate in the day’s work.
Both players know they only have a small window to compete for a roster spot but are aiming to make the most of the chance.
“Just head down and keep working,” White said of his approach to the unique situation. “Come in with your mind clear and just go to work. No fun and games, just come in here notetaking, film-wise. Go out there and bust your butt.”
White took a few carries and turned heads with a pair of strong runs that showcased the downhill running style he displayed at Georgia.
Situational Work
New Orleans focused on situational work for the day. They ran first, second and third down plays with fourth down available, some tempo drills and simulated the opening drive of games across all of their groups.
The team also shook up the competition a bit, pitting the second team offense against the first team defense, and second team defense against the first team offense at the end of practice.
During the work, quarterback Tyler Shough completed a high volume of his passes going 15/19 on the day while going 5/6 when targeting Olave.
The Saints focused most of the day’s work on high-percentage areas but also attacked downfield when opportunities opened up.
Attendance
- Not Seen: WR Jordyn Tyson (hamstring), WR Trey Palmer (undisclosed), WR Mason Tipton (leg), CB Quincy Riley (groin), RB Ty Chandler (knee), S Lorenzo Styles Jr. (calf), CB Dalys Beanum (undisclosed), RB Alvin Kamara (knee), RG Cesar Ruiz (leg), OL Torricelli Simpkins III (concussion), OL Barry Wesley (undisclosed), TE Moliki Matavao (knee), TE Oscar Delp (hamstring), EDGE Cameron Jordan (hamstring) and DL John Ridgeway III (foot)
- Returns: WR Bub Means (Hamstring), DL Christen Miller (shoulder) and DL Brien Taylor Jr. (stinger)
Chandler and Matavao were both placed on season-ending Injured Reserve by the team.
