Let’s start with the good news: Pro Bowl linebacker Demario Davis returned to the New Orleans Saints’ voluntary practice on Tuesday, the first of a three-day series of training sessions this week (and one of the few practice dates open to the media). He was joined by special teams ace J.T. Gray, who was also absent last week when the Saints practiced in front of the media for the first time as a team this spring.
But 14 other players were missing from the voluntary session. They’ll have more opportunities to report for work before mandatory practices begin later in June, and some players are sidelined because of injuries, so we shouldn’t make too much of it. Personal and other professional obligations can get in the way. And because the media has such limited access this time of the year, they could just be visiting on a day with abnormally high absentees.
What’s important is that these players have all been in communication with the coaching staff and plan on being available once they’re needed. For some of their younger teammates, veterans stepping aside is a good thing because it opens up much-needed practice reps.
Here’s a quick look at the list: