What we hope to learn at Saints’ final open OTAs practice

By Ross Jackson

The New Orleans Saints are ready to wrap up their final week of OTAs before heading into next week’s mandatory minicamp. 

The media will be in attendance Thursday for the final open OTAs practice, barring no changes. Here are three things we’ll be watching during that final day of media access. 

Does Spencer Rattler Or Tyler Shough Find A Way To Separate?

Neither will separate far enough during OTAs that they undisputedly win the job, but before the public opinion begins to form during mandatory minicamp, which will have fans in attendance, the quarterbacks will look to make waves. 

So far, Rattler has been the most consistent while Shough has looked the flashiest. But that’s only taking things away from two practices: not nearly enough to make a decision and much less than what the coaches and team have seen over time. 

Getting another look at the passers will be valuable as they look to keep the battle heated throughout training camp. 

Does Quincy Riley Return To The Field?

Riley hasn’t been able to participate yet this offseason, but is itching to do so. Could this week finally be the week he’s able to make his debut as a Saint? Many are hoping so. 

What will be interesting is where he lines up when he does take the field. He’ll be starting with a few weeks of reps behind, so leaping into a starting spot is unlikely, but being with the second or third teams, will he line up inside at the slot? Or outside at boundary cornerback? 

There’s a lot of intrigue around the rookie, his timetable for return to action and his role. 

Any New Players?

The Saints made former quarterback Derek Carr’s retirement official on Tuesday, opening a roster spot. They are expected to soon process the retirement of offensive tackle Ryan Ramczyk as well. With at least one open roster spot, the Saints could look to add to an important position like defensive line, offensive line or wide receiver. 

New Orleans hosted veteran defensive tackle Jonathan Bullard this week. If that visit went well, his connections to defensive coordinator Brandon Staley and edges coach Jay Rodgers could make him an easy addition.

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