Tag: andrus peat

Final Saints-Lions injury report rules out 6 starters, including Michael Thomas

The New Orleans Saints and Detroit Lions published their final injury report, officially ruling out WR Michael Thomas for his third absence.

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The New Orleans Saints and Detroit Lions published their final injury report ahead of Sunday’s game, officially ruling out star wide receiver Michael Thomas for his third consecutive absence. This was the soonest Thomas was expected to return from his Week 1 ankle injury, so his absence isn’t wholly surprising despite practicing this week.

However, he’s one of six Saints players who will not dress for Week 4. Thomas will be joined on the sidelines by tight end Jared Cook (groin), defensive end Marcus Davenport (elbow, toe), guard Andrus Peat (ankle), and cornerbacks Janoris Jenkins (shoulder) and Marshon Lattimore (hamstring).

But at least defensive tackle David Onyemata (calf) was full-go, and linebacker Chase Hansen (hip) was questionable. The full injury report:

From the Saints

Player, injury Wed. Thurs. Fri. Game status
G Andrus Peat (ankle) DNP DNP DNP Out
TE Jared Cook (groin) DNP DNP DNP Out
CB Janoris Jenkins (illness, shoulder) DNP Limited DNP Out
DE Marcus Davenport (elbow, toe) Limited DNP DNP Out
CB Marshon Lattimore (hamstring) Limited DNP DNP Out
DT David Onyemata (calf) Limited Full Full
WR Michael Thomas (ankle) Limited Limited Limited Out
LB Chase Hansen (hip) Limited Limited Limited Questionable

From the Lions

Player, injury Wed. Thurs. Fri. Game status
CB Desmond Trufan (hamstring) Limited Limited Questionable
TE Hunter Bryant (hamstring) Limited Limited Questionable
DL Da’Shawn Hand (chest) Limited Limited Questionable
S C.J. Moore (calf) DNP DNP Out
CB Darryl Roberts (hip) Limited Questionable
LB Christian Jones (knee) Questionable

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Both starting Saints cornerbacks among absentees at Friday practice session

The New Orleans Saints may play the Detroit Lions without starting cornerbacks Marshon Lattimore and Janoris Jenkins, or DE Marcus Davenport

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Well, this is sub-optimal: the New Orleans Saints practice session on Friday, Oct. 2 went on without multiple starters present for the period open to the media. That includes starting cornerbacks Marshon Lattimore and Janoris Jenkins, who were both listed on the Thursday injury report with hamstring and shoulder injuries, respectively.

That’s a problem. As inconsistently as they’ve each played to start the season, you want to be starting Lattimore and Jenkins against the Detroit Lions rather than some combination of P.J. Williams, Patrick Robinson, and Justin Hardee. Practice squad call-ups like rookie Keith Washington Jr., free agent pickup Grant Haley, or burned-out former starter Ken Crawley could also be on the table.

It’s a situation even lame-duck Lions coach Matt Patricia can’t mess up. If the Saints have to dip into that well of talent, Lions receivers Kenny Golladay and Marvin Jones Jr. are going to have a field day, to say nothing of tight end T.J. Hockenson (who averages 15 snaps per game lined up in the slot or out wide). The chances of the Saints defense getting Darren Waller’d again are rising by the second.

Hopefully it doesn’t come to that. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported earlier this week that Lattimore’s injury is more of a tweak, and he may not be ruled out of action on Sunday. But it’s tough to see the Saints thrusting him into action off of so little practice time.

In other news: starters like tight end Jared Cook, defensive end Marcus Davenport, and guard Andrus Peat also were not spotted at practice while managing various injuries.

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Updated Saints-Lions injury report: Marcus Davenport downgraded

The New Orleans Saints and Detroit Lions updated their injury report, sharing news for Michael Thomas, Marcus Davenport, and David Onyemata.

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The New Orleans Saints and Detroit Lions updated their Week 4 injury report after practicing on Thursday, Oct. 1. Here’s what it means for star players on the mend like wide receiver Michael Thomas, tight end Jared Cook, guard Andrus Peat, cornerbacks Marshon Lattimore and Janoris Jenkins, defensive linemen Marcus Davenport and David Onyemata.

Davenport and Lattimore were each held out of Thursday’s practice; Davenport was listed with a new toe injury in addition to his elbow issue. Additionally, Jenkins was limited with a shoulder injury after missing Wednesday’s session with an illness.

And the full injury report:

From the Saints

Player, injury Wed. Thurs. Fri. Game status
G Andrus Peat (ankle) DNP DNP
TE Jared Cook (groin) DNP DNP
CB Janoris Jenkins (illness, shoulder) DNP Limited
DE Marcus Davenport (elbow, toe) Limited DNP
CB Marshon Lattimore (hamstring) Limited DNP
DT David Onyemata (calf) Limited Full
WR Michael Thomas (ankle) Limited Limited
LB Chase Hansen (hip) Limited Limited

From the Lions

Player, injury Wed. Thurs. Fri. Game status
CB Desmond Trufan (hamstring) Limited Limited
TE Hunter Bryant (hamstring) Limited Limited
DL Da’Shawn Hand (chest) Limited Limited
S C.J. Moore (calf) DNP DNP
CB Darryl Roberts (hip) Limited

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Andrus Peat injured, carted off the field vs. Packers

New Orleans Saints left guard Andrus Peat was injured in a collision with Alvin Kamara, and was carted off the field against the Packers.

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The New Orleans Saints lost left guard Andrus Peat just before halftime against the Green Bay Packers on “Sunday Night Football.” Peat was rolled up on from behind by a falling Alvin Kamara, tackling by a Packers player, causing Peat’s legs to buckle and send him to the turf.

Peat immediately started punching the field after the collision, and was quickly attended to by Saints medical staff. They examined his left ankle before Peat attempted to walk off the field with their support, but the Saints sent a cart out instead.

It’s unclear whether he’ll return to this game, but his reaction and departure on a cart suggest it’s a serious injury. Stay tuned.

In his place, the Saints sent backup guard Nick Easton into the game. Easton had started at right guard before he was replaced by rookie draft pick Cesar Ruiz, making him available. He also started six games in Peat’s place last year when he was sidelined by a broken arm.

While he’s been to a pair of Pro Bowls as an alternate, Peat has suffered a lengthy injury history. He’s suffered a broken hand, broken leg, a severe concussion, and a series of lesser ailments. And he missed much of Saints training camp with a hand injury, so this is just more instability for an offense already missing top wide receiver Michael Thomas.

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WATCH: Baldy’s Breakdowns highlights Saints offensive line vs. Bucs

The New Orleans Saints offensive line earned a shout-out from NFL analyst Brian Baldinger for their efforts against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

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Nobody cuts a better highlight reel than Brian Baldinger. The veteran NFL analyst spent a dozen years in the league before taking a turn into broadcasting with NFL Network, and now he spends his spare time poring over game tape to talk up underrated players and units after each week’s slate of games.

On Wednesday, Baldinger turned his attention to the New Orleans Saints offensive line. While they had a few miscues against a talented Tampa Bay Buccaneers front (and while missing first-round draft pick Cesar Ruiz, expected to start at right guard), Baldinger took time to explain just how special the big men up front in New Orleans can be.

“The execution by the offensive line out on the perimeter, down the field, on this touchdown run, you can’t do it any better. They did it on most of the big plays they had,” Baldinger said, pointing out key blocks by left guard Andrus Peat and center Erik McCoy.

He then pointed out a series of blocks in space by Peat, McCoy, and right tackle Ryan Ramczyk on a screen pass to wide receiver Deonte Harris. The blockers did their jobs and cleared a lane for a 17-yard gain.

“It’s like ‘Bowling for Dollars,'” Baldinger said. “I mean this group, moving this well downfield? Give ’em a game ball, for crying out loud.”

Improving their ability to throw blocks away from the line of scrimmage was a point of emphasis for the Saints this offseason. They picked Ruiz and released three-time Pro Bowl alternate Larry Warford aiming to get more athletic up front, and on paper they have one of the fastest offensive lines you’ll see in the NFL.

That agility is critical for blockers getting to their spots on time to spring Harris or Alvin Kamara free into the open field, gaining chunks of yardage, and we should see more of it once everyone is healthy and practicing together. These early highlights from Baldinger are a proof-of-concept; here’s hoping Ruiz can get on the field soon so we can see the full picture.

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Andrus Peat returns to Saints training camp practice

The New Orleans Saints took the practice field for their latest training camp session with Andrus Peat back in the lineup at left guard.

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The New Orleans Saints offensive line is starting to look like what the coaching staff has drawn up on paper. Left guard Andrus Peat returned to practice after missing time with a thumb injury in recent weeks, suiting up for Monday’s training camp session.

Peat signed a hefty contract extension earlier this summer, and reportedly showed up for work in excellent shape. But injuries have slowed him down throughout his career, and this thumb issue meant he had to take a backseat while recovering. The Saints promoted backup guard Nick Easton in his place, but now they’ve put their two-time Pro Bowler back in the lineup.

“Yeah it’s good to have him back. He had a thumb that he was dealing with,” Saints coach Sean Payton said after practice. “And like anything, when a player comes back, we’ll be mindful of the reps they’re getting those first few days. He’s obviously an important part of what we want to do with our offensive line. It’s good to have him back on the field.”

Peat’s return is the first step towards getting all hands on deck before the Sept. 13 season-opener. The Saints were missing a small crowd of players at Monday’s practice, including defensive end Marcus Davenport, safety Malcolm Jenkins, rookie center Cesar Ruiz, and running back Alvin Kamara.

Payton previously said that Jenkins and Ruiz wouldn’t be sidelined for long, but he wasn’t forthcoming with updates on Davenport or Kamara. Kamara did miss two practices last week with a stomach virus, and briefly returned before taking another absence, which Payton didn’t want to get into on Monday. It’s a curious situation for Kamara now that negotiations on a contract extension are moving along.

Hopefully other players managing injuries will heal up soon and join Peat on the practice field. It won’t be much longer before Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers visit the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.

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Saints training camp: Pro Bowl guard Andrus Peat out with a hand injury

The New Orleans Saints will be without two-time Pro Bowl guard Andrus Peat during training camp while he works to return from a hand injury.

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The New Orleans Saints will be without left guard Andrus Peat while he manages a hand injury during training camp, per multiple reports. News of Peat’s injury was first reported by Brett Martel for the Associated Press, and confirmed by Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football.

Peat was guaranteed $33 million in a five-year contract extension with the Saints earlier this summer, and showed up to training camp in great shape, but this is still a big setback for the two-time Pro Bowler. He’s started predominately at left guard since being drafted by the Saints back in 2015, while also being the go-to option to fill in for left tackle Terron Armstead.

But it’s just the latest entry in Peat’s lengthy injury history. He’s just 26, but has never suited up for a full 16-game regular season. Peat missed six weeks last season with a broken arm after dealing with a previously broken hand, high-ankle sprain, and concussion in 2018, and ended his season with a broken leg the year before that.

While those aren’t the sort of soft-tissue injuries that tend to recur, it’s still notable that Peat’s body hasn’t held up to the punishment the NFL deals out. It might be fair to question New Orleans’ decision to extend Peat while releasing his healthier teammate Larry Warford, who has informally opted out of playing in the 2020 season despite receiving a lot of interest in free agency.

And there’s no clear timetable yet on his return. Saints coach Sean Payton was mum on an explanation for Peat’s absence in Monday’s training camp practice, so we’ll have to stay tuned for updated reports or an announcement from the team. In the meantime, veteran backup Nick Easton is filling in for Peat at left guard, but don’t be shocked if top rookie draft pick Cesar Ruiz gets a look as well.

For now, one encouraging sign might be that the Saints didn’t bring any offensive linemen into their recent free agent tryouts. That could suggest they don’t expect Peat to miss much time before their Sept. 13 season opener with Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

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4 Saints players miss first training camp practice in pads

The New Orleans Saints were not at full strength in their first training camp practice in pads, missing LG Andrus Peat and TE Josh Hill.

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The New Orelans Saints held their first training camp practice session in pads on Monday, but they weren’t at full strength. Four players were absent, including starting left guard Andrus Peat, co-starter tight end Josh Hill, undrafted rookie cornerback Tino Ellis, and veteran free agent pickup Anthony Chickillo.

However, Hill was the only player Payton offered an explanation for, saying that the tight end has missed time with a “tweak.” Whether the other players were dealing with recent injuries, personal issues, or the NFL’s COVID-19 protocol remains to be seen.

Hill’s loss is bigger than it appears; he’s one of Payton’s favorite players on the roster. He described Hill’s midgame exit with a concussion last season as “like losing your front door,” and had to spend an extended time on the bench retooling his playsheet. While Hill won’t set the world on fire with his receiving stats, there may not be another player Payton trusts more to execute blocking assignments and handle such a broad range of responsibilities.

Another example of Hill’s importance to the team: he’s appeared in 103 regular season games for the Saints, nearly as many as John Carney (108), Pat Swilling (107), Mark Ingram (106), and Pierre Thomas (105), and more than Joe Horn (102), Lance Moore (101), and Jimmy Graham (78). While this injury doesn’t sound like a long-term problem, Hill’s importance to the offense can’t be undersold. Hopefully he and the other absentees will return soon.

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Sean Payton updates the training camp battle between Cesar Ruiz, Erik McCoy

The New Orleans Saints are trying out top draft pick Cesar Ruiz at both center and right guard in training camp, along with Erik McCoy.

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The biggest battle of New Orleans Saints training camp is happening in the trenches. Cesar Ruiz, the team’s top draft pick, is hoping to win the starting job and stay at his natural position at center. But he’ll have to unseat the incumbent starter, Erik McCoy, who put up very good game tape during his 2019 rookie season.

For now, Saints coach Sean Payton is just focused on getting them used to working together. Whoever doesn’t remain at center will shift over to the right guard spot, replacing three-time Pro Bowl alternate Larry Warford. And while it’s too early to call the competition after the first day of practice in pads, Payton has been encouraged by where things started.

He spoke about the training camp competition in his Monday conference call after practice: “We’re evaluating both of them, they’re both getting plenty of work. McCoy’s getting work at center, Ruiz is at right guard. And probably every second or third day we’ll evaluate and flip them around. We’re rotating both of those guys with Nick Easton inside. We feel like, obviously, all of those reps are important and I think overall (Ruiz is) a pretty quick study.”

It shouldn’t panic anyone that Ruiz isn’t taking every snap at center right away. The Saints often train players at different positions (defensive back P.J. Williams had a great day of practice at safety), and there’s a good chance Ruiz ends up playing at guard rather than center for much of his rookie year. It’s best for him to get some familiarity with it now.

For the curious: Ruiz started 26 of 31 games at center with Michigan, spending the remaining 5 starts at right guard. At Texas A&M, Erik McCoy logged 37 starts at center and 2 at guard. That won’t factor much into who starts where in 2020 with the Saints, but it does give some context on where each player’s background lies.

Also, Easton has also been filling in for left guard Andrus Peat. While early reports out of Saints training camp were positive for Peat, he wasn’t in attendance at Monday’s practice session, and Payton offered no explanation. It’s unknown whether Peat is dealing with an injury, personal matter, or the NFL’s COVID-19 protocol, but we’ll keep you posted.

In the meantime, this is what Easton is here for. It’s good to see that he’s also part of the training camp battle to start along the interior, justifying the big contract the Saints signed him to last summer. While Ruiz should be a favorite to get the starting nod, having a vested veteran like Easton involved will make sure the rookie earns his opportunity.

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James Hurst may be the Terron Armstead backup the Saints have needed

The New Orleans Saints reached an agreement with Ravens free agent James Hurst, who may have the skills to back up LT Terron Armstead.

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Terron Armstead has all the talent in the world, and he’s so close to putting it all together. Armstead earned recognition as a Pro Bowler in each of the last two years, along with second-team All-Pro status in 2018. But he still hasn’t strung together 16 healthy games in a single season. The 28-year-old came close in 2019 (starting all 15 games he played), but a late-season high-ankle sprain tripped him up. It was the first time he’d appeared in more than 10 games since 2015.

Great as he’s been when healthy, the Saints haven’t really come up with even a short-term solution for when Armstead is out. Their go-to answer has been to slide starting left guard Andrus Peat over to tackle, his college position, calling up a backup like Senio Kelmete or Nick Easton in Peat’s place.

When Armstead missed last year’s Thanksgiving Day game with the Atlanta Falcons — when Peat was also out with an injury — the Saints were forced to put career guard Patrick Omameh at left tackle. Thankfully, Omameh was up to the occasion, and the Falcons defensive line wasn’t talented enough to take advantage of the mismatch.

One injury shouldn’t affect two positions like this, and it looks like the Saints might have finally taken action against it. That’s where former Baltimore Ravens backup James Hurst steps in. Even though he’s suspended the first four weeks with a performance-enhancing substances violation, he might be the best option the Saints have for the next twelve weeks and the playoffs.

Hurst has the pedigree to give the Saints confidence that he can hold down the left tackle spot, whether in a pinch or for a couple of weeks. He’s started nearly as many games at left tackle (16) as at left guard (19) in the NFL, and has a background lining up out on the edge with 48 starts in that alignment at North Carolina. He earned All-ACC honors three years in college, twice making the conference’s first-team list. Listed at 6-foot-5 and 310 pounds, with 33 3/4-inch arms, he fits the prototype teams look for.

Now, sure: the Ravens valued his versatility enough to move him all over the line, and the Saints should, too. If Hurst doesn’t cut the mustard in training camp at left tackle, he could try out as a backup at other spots much like Easton did last year. Initially signed as a center, the Saints quickly moved Easton to guard full-time after comparing him against then-rookie Erik McCoy, and reserves like Cameron Tom and Will Clapp.

But you have to like Hurst’s chances. The fact that he has started nearly a full season at left tackle in the NFL already (totaling more than 3,200 snaps in his career, at different spots) is significant. And he’s clearly the most qualified of his competition, which includes Omameh, second-year pros like Ethan Greenidge, Derrick Kelly, and a few undrafted rookies in Utah’s Darrin Paulo and Oregon’s Calvin Throckmorton. This is a roster battle Hurst should win.

In a year with such high stakes and maybe Drew Brees’ last shot at a second Super Bowl on the line, the Saints can’t afford any chances. Adding Hurst now gives them greater insurance in case injuries hit the starting lineup again. And his veteran presence should be helpful once training camp gets here, considering the shortened offseason. Hopefully things shake out so that he’ll be in position to help the team when they call his number.

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