IRVINE, Calif. — The Saints injury bug has not just caught the attention of the Who Dat Nation, but it is something that New Orleans head coach Dennis Allen also voiced concern about during the team’s California training camp at UC-Irvine.
“It’s more than what I’d like, certainly,” said Allen following practice on Day 11 on Monday. “I also think that at some point you got to build some calluses for the regular season, and some of this is the price of doing business.”
Aside from a long list of those missing practice time to recover from injuries already sustained during the first 10 days, the following are the most notable names missing from the field.
- Pete Werner, Linebacker (shoulder)
- Paulson Adebo, Cornerback (groin)
- Nick Saldiveri, Offensive Lineman (calf)
- Marshon Lattimore, Cornerback (hamstring)
- Demario Davis, Linebacker (hamstring)
- Kendre Miller, Running Back (hamstring)
Safety Ugo Amadi and offensive tackle Chandler Brewer were reported as injured – Amadi has a groin injury and Brewer has a tricep injury.
On a positive note, defensive end Payton Turner returned after injuring the same toe on Sunday that cost him most of 2023 with a torn ligament. Turner engaged in limited participation on the day. Meanwhile, defensive tackle Nathan Shepherd, who was also out due to a toe, was back for full contact.
"We're going to do everything we can to try to avoid injuries as much as we possibly can, and yet, that's the game that we play and we're going to push him hard and our guys are responding and they're doing well in that regard.," explained Allen. "Our guys are responding and they're doing well in that regard.
"There'll be a point where I feel like we're going to need to, you know, back off just a little bit, try to get them back a little bit, but I don't think we're at that spot yet."
Another player missing was 2023 fourth-round quarterback from Fresno State Jake Haener, who was undergoing a medical procedure for treatment of a rare skin cancer he announced last week.
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His absence left two quarterbacks to participate in team drills – starter Derek Carr and 2024 fifth-rounder Spencer Rattler (South Carolina).
Allen was asked about the backup quarterback battle between Haener and Rattler, and talked about the opportunity at hand for a quarterback to secure the No. 2 spot behind Carr.
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"[Spencer] got a lot of reps today, which was good to see," said Allen. "He's improving every day...but I think we've gotta let these preseason games play out. We are trying to determine if we have a backup quarterback on our roster right now. I've seen some signs that I like, and yet I want to get them into real-life situations under the lights and see how both of these guys operate in that environment."
More from training camp:
Dennis Allen, Head Coach
Coach says Saints injuries more than he likes, but price of doing business in NFL
Spencer Rattler, Quarterback
Saints rookie Spencer Rattler says being mobile QB a must in NFL
Michael Jacobson, Tight End
Saints TE talks transition from pro basketball to NFL, and which is harder move
Khaleke Hudson, Linebacker
Veteran linebacker on strength of Saints defense, importance of special teams role
Highlights from Day 11
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