This isn’t too surprising, but that doesn’t make it good news: five New Orleans Saints rookies have been sidelined at the start of training camp on various injury reserve lists, including several draft picks. The good news is that it just means none of these players passed their initial physical exam upon arriving at the team facility. Once they’re able to do that and prove they’re healthy, they’ll join their teammates on the practice field.
Here is what you need to know:
RB Kendre Miller: Non-football injury list (NFI)
The Saints’ third-round pick out of TCU, Miller led the Horned Frogs on a national title bid but missed the championship game with Georgia after injuring his knee. The team used a cautious approach and kept him out of minicamps and spring training while rehabbing his meniscus, so it’s only a matter of time until Miller is available.
WR A.T. Perry: Non-football injury list (NFI)
Perry was a full participant at minicamp so it’s unclear what injury he’s dealing with. Hopefully it isn’t too serious. There are snaps available in the rotation behind Chris Olave, Michael Thomas, and Rashid Shaheed, and Perry needs to make the most of them to strengthen his case for a roster spot.
WR Shaquan Davis: Non-football injury list (NFI)
Davis was also full-go during the Saints’ offseason program so we’ll have to wait on details for what’s ailing him. He’s competing with veterans like Brayn Edwards and James Washington for one of the final roster spots at receiver and needs every opportunity he can get to stand out.
OL Nick Saldiveri: Physically unable to perform (PUP)
Saldiveri suffered a lower-leg injury during minicamp practices, though he shed the medical protective walking boot later in the offseason. It shouldn’t take long for him to be cleared to participate in training camp, where he’s looking to push Calvin Throckmorton and Lewis Kidd as the top backup guard behind Andrus Peat and Cesar Ruiz.
CB Anthony Johnson: Physically unable to perform (PUP)
Johnson was unavailable throughout the offseason program with an undisclosed injury, so we can only wait for an update on his status. The undrafted cornerback out of Virginia has long odds of making the roster but the Saints have a history of finding diamonds in the rough.
