Major Saints injury update puts spotlight on former first-round pick

It's time for Saints offensive tackle Trevor Penning to live up to his draft status.

On Thursday, it was revealed that Saints right tackle Ryan Ramczyk will miss the 2024 season due to a knee injury.

New Orleans placed Ramczyk on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, which NFL insider Ian Rapoport revealed makes him ineligible to play this season.

The announcement is largely a formality. In April , ESPN's Katherine Terrell wrote that Ramczyk's injury left "his training camp status and potentially season in doubt."

The Saints selected tackle Taliese Fuaga with the No. 13 overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft, but head coach Dennis Allen said in May that the plan is for Fuaga to play at left tackle. (h/t ESPN)

It's New Orleans' other first-round offensive tackle that Ramczyk's absence will impact the most.

Penning, the No. 19 overall pick of the 2022 NFL Draft, has struggled in his first two seasons.

He essentially redshirted as a rookie following a preseason foot injury . He moved into a starting role to begin the 2023 season but only lasted five games at left tackle before being benched.

According to Pro Football Focus , Penning was credited with allowing 10 total pressures and three sacks during the first two weeks of the season and only played 12 offensive snaps after Week 6.

He should have the first crack at being the starting right tackle. And unless he takes ownership of the position, New Orleans probably won't have much chance to win the NFC South.

Quarterback Derek Carr was far better when kept clean than pressured on drop backs in 2023.

Per data from PFF , he posted Pro Bowl numbers when facing no pressure, completing 305-of-405 pass attempts (75.3%) for 3,001 yards, 23 touchdowns and five interceptions.

When pressured, his numbers dipped to 70-of-143 passing (49%), 877 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions.

The Saints face several outstanding edge-rushers this season, including Micah Parsons (Cowboys), Bryce Huff (Eagles), Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack (Chargers), Myles Garrett (Browns), Brian Burns (Giants) and Maxx Crosby (Raiders).

Per ESPN Bet , New Orleans (+350) ranks third in the NFC South in preseason odds to win the division. Its over-under win total is set at 7.5 games.