New Orleans Saints All-Pro signals the end of his playing career without even saying a word

During the offseason, a tough situation arose for the New Orleans Saints offense. The status of star offensive tackle Ryan Ramczyk became quite questionable. Ultimately, the player and team decided that he would not play this season.

Of course, that sort of decision raises eyebrows about the long-term availability of one of the best offensive tackles in football in recent years. For New Orleans, it was a terrifying update for a weakness of their roster already.

New Orleans made a choice on Thursday that may doom their 2024 offensive line. Their worst fears came to light for star offensive tackle Ryan Ramczyk. They placed Ramczyk on the Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform list. -- A to Z Sports, July 18

The veteran tackle has a cartilage defect in his knee. It forced him to miss nearly a moth of action during the 2023 season. Now, it looks like he may already be preparing for life after football.

Ryan Ramczyk's weight loss

Samczyk watched the Saints get blown out by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers live in Week 6 in New Orleans. Many media members and fans caught a glimpse of his new look.

The offensive tackle has slimmed down quite a bit, pointing to a bit more of an everyday lifestyle, rather than that of a player that could return to the NFL next season.

Ramczyk attempted to stay confident in his return to football at some point towards the end of 2023. That being said, as time passes, that notion seems less and less likely for the former first-team All-Pro OT.

"I feel like I'm not done yet. I feel like I still want to play... I feel like I'm still passionate about the game. When you think about it like that, my mind frame is, 'I want to play, and I want to keep doing it, so what can I do to get better, to not have this happen in-season?'" -- Ramczyk on the idea that he may not play again

Unfortunately, it seems like he even understands the unlikelihood that he makes a return for the Saints at any time. For the Saints, they will have plenty of work to do regarding his contract if he does have to retire.

Related: Spencer Rattler should be the last person to blame for Saints' loss to Buccaneers in Week 6