Katherine Terrell, an esteemed ESPN Staff Writer, has been a part of the ESPN team since the summer of 2022, focusing her coverage on the New Orleans Saints. Before her return, she left ESPN in 2019 after initially joining in 2016 to cover the Cincinnati Bengals. A native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and an LSU alumna, Terrell has been chronicling the NFL since 2013. Follow her insights on Twitter: @Kat_Terrell.
In New Orleans, Saints coach Dennis Allen recently shared concerns about right tackle Ryan Ramczyk’s knee recovery. Despite undergoing an offseason procedure, Ramczyk’s progress hasn’t met expectations. “He’s not quite where we had hoped he’d be at this stage,” Allen remarked during the NFL’s annual league meeting. He emphasized, however, that it’s too early for definitive conclusions, noting there’s ample time before the season starts to assess Ramczyk’s readiness.
Ramczyk, addressing reporters last December, revealed the deterioration of cartilage in his knee, which sidelined him for significant periods in 2021 and 2023, casting uncertainty over his NFL career.
Allen’s latest update on Ramczyk’s condition is notably more guarded compared to his optimistic stance at the NFL scouting combine last month. Following a minor procedure that was chosen over major surgery, Allen had anticipated Ramczyk’s participation in training camp.
The Saints’ apprehensions are mirrored in the recent adjustment of Ramczyk’s contract on March 12. Unlike their usual approach to restructuring contracts for cap space, the Saints opted for a different strategy with Ramczyk. They converted $5.290 million of his guaranteed $6.5 million salary into a signing bonus, maintaining $1.21 million as his base salary. Originally slated for a $17 million base salary in 2024, Ramczyk now faces a reduced salary should he play this year.
Allen acknowledged the possibility of Ramczyk’s knee affecting his 2024 season but reiterated the need for patience. Ramczyk’s capacity for training camp remains uncertain.
Furthermore, Allen mentioned that Ramczyk, who was on a limited practice plan last year due to his knee, will likely face restrictions during the offseason program’s initial phase. This approach also applies to veteran defensive end Cameron Jordan, who is recovering from an ankle procedure.
Reflecting on the situation, Allen shared, “A few weeks ago at the combine, I felt more optimistic about Ramczyk’s injury. However, the progress I hoped to see isn’t quite there yet. But the good news is, we have plenty of time.” He suggested a cautious approach to utilizing Ramczyk and Jordan during OTAs and minicamp, emphasizing the importance of patience as the offseason and training camp unfold.