The New Orleans Saints will formally kick off their 2024 training camp with the first day of practice on Wednesday, July 24, and head coach Dennis Allen is expecting strong attendance. Two big names who have been the subject of a lot of speculation are both going to be on the field: Alvin Kamara and Chase Young.
“Every indication that we’ve gotten is that he’s going to be out here practicing tomorrow, so that’s what we expect,” Allen responded. “We’re looking forward to working with him, you know? I think having him out here, and having him practice, and having him work, that’s beneficial for all of us. Obviously with the new system and new offense, I think that’s important. And yet I think we all understand there’s a business aspect to the game of football. But every indication that we’ve gotten is that he’ll be out here practicing tomorrow.”
A conventional holdout would have been very expensive for Kamara, so it’s not too surprising that he’s reported for camp while negotiating a new deal with the Saints. The question is whether he’ll limit his participating as a “hold-in” but it doesn’t sound like that’s something Allen is anticipating. Kamara’s spot on top of the depth chart isn’t as secure as you’d think given Kendre Miller’s big-play potential, so it’s important the veteran shows he’s as great a fit in Klint Kubiak’s offense as everyone hopes.
And what about Young? The Saints’ big free agent acquisition underwent neck surgery the day after he signed his one-year contract, but his recovery progressed better than expected, and he isn’t going to miss any time at training camp after all. Allen added that while the Saints will monitor his reps out of an abundance of caution, he’s going to be active for the first day of practice.
“Chase Young will participate in some form at practice tomorrow. We have three players, Tanoh (Kpassagnon), Nephi (Sewell), and Juwan Johnson, those three players will not be practicing tomorrow. Everybody else on the roster will be practicing in some form or fashion. Some maybe a little bit more limited coming off injury and things like that, but everybody else is going to be practicing tomorrow,” Allen said.
Kpassagnon suffered an Achilles injury training this offseason and is likely out for the year, but that hasn’t been confirmed yet. Sewell is still recovering from a knee injury he sustained during Dec. 31’s win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. And Johnson is on the mend after requiring foot surgery in May.
Allen confirmed that wide receiver Chris Olave may also be limited at practice while dealing with a back issue, but it’s not serious and he’s expected to take on a heavier workload as camp progresses. Ryan Ramczyk is done for the year on the physically unable to perform list. But for the most part the Saints are starting camp healthier than many other teams around the league.
