There are high expectations on left tackle Trevor Penning in his second New Orleans Saints training camp, with the former first-round pick expected to win a starting job from veteran blocker James Hurst. But Penning was held out of Thursday’s practice session on just the second day of camp with a new foot injury.
Penning injured both feet in his rookie season, starting the year on injured reserve after a serious case of turf toe required surgery, and ending the season with a Lisfranc fracture in his other foot. This new ailment is unrelated to either of them. His absence is frustrating for Saints fans, but it isn’t bothering head coach Dennis Allen.
“Not related to the previous surgery, really minor,” Allen said after practice. “Probably more of a precaution to keep him out today.”
Allen described Penning’s status as “Just day to day, I expect he’ll be out here tomorrow or the next day, but we’ll see where he’s at tomorrow.”
As was the case with Penning’s predecessor Terron Armstead, rare movement skills for players their size take a toll on the body. It’s tough to support 325 pounds while maintaining elite athleticism. While he didn’t have much of an injury history at the college level, these things could trail Penning throughout his pro career just like they did Armstead. All he can do is work closely with the team training staff to manage it as best he can. Keep an eye out for him when fans are welcomed to observe their first Saints training camp session tomorrow on Friday, July 28.
