IRVINE, Calif — The injury bug keeps biting the New Orleans Saints into the second week of training camp at UC-Irvine in California on Wednesday.
Day 7 saw the immediate return of No. 1 receiver Chris Olave, who was last seen limping off the field with just minutes remaining on Day 6. Head coach Dennis Allen told the media that he believed it was hip-related.
However, the third-year wideout was back to full speed for the third day of pads.
Others not so lucky, include linebacker and defensive captain Demario Davis, who left the field after one-on-one drills due to a reported hamstring issue. Offensively, Cedric Wilson, Jr., has a groin injury while fellow wide receiver Bub Means is suffering from an injured shin. Tight end Tommy Hudson left due to hamstring.
Still no updates regarding injuries to cornerback Marshon Lattimore (hip flexor), offensive lineman Nick Saldiveri (calf) and running back Kendre Miller (hamstring).
Coach Allen did say the players were on edge and it will be up to him and his staff to wrangle them in and focus on the task at hand.
"Third day in a row in pads, so I thought practice was a little bit chippy today which isn't necessarily a bad thing," Allen explained during the post-practice presser. "I think our guys are competing. I didn't think the execution overall was as good as we needed it to be today, but that's to be expected throughout training camp. You are going to have some of these days, so how do we respond? We'll have a day off tomorrow...and have a good practice on Friday."
After garnering a lot of attention during the first seven days of practice, newly acquired defensive end Chase Young took to the podium to take questions from the media scrum following practice.
The main topic was his health after missing most of the offseason due to neck surgery shortly after signing with the Saints in March. The 6-5, 265-pound edge rusher assured everyone that both he and the team were taking proper measures to make sure his neck would not be an issue come Week 1.
"I feel comfortable," answered Young when questioned by WWL Louisiana sports director Doug Mouton about his comfort level. "We still gonna ramp it up. Last thing they are worried about is my neck. I had to sit two months when everybody else was working, so they are just making sure I don't get any soft tissue injuries or nothing like that."
Young also praised the "dawg" mentality of his defensive teammates and welcomes the opportunity to share the line with fellow defensive end Cameron Jordan, especially when Jordan is in at defensive tackle.
"Legendary, you know getting snaps with a hall-of-famer we can dial it up, so that's exciting," he said.
The Saints will enjoy an off day on Thursday, before returning to camp on Crawford Field on Friday.
Dennis Allen, Head Coach
Coach Allen shares thoughts on a feisty Day 7
Chase Young, Defensive End
Recently acquired DE on recovery from offseason neck surgery, ramping up reps
Foster Moreau, Tight End
New Orleans TE on what he likes about Saints' new offensive direction
Lucas Patrick, Offensive Lineman
Veteran lineman says Saints O-line looking to set the tone offensively
Johnathan Abram, Safety
Saints safety says emphasizing turnovers in defense's DNA
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