Tag: Willie Gay

Saints share some much-needed good news on updated injury report

The Saints shared some much-needed good news on the Week 6 injury report update. Alvin Kamara, Rashid Shaheed, and Willie Gay are all making progress:

The New Orleans Saints shared some much-needed good news on Thursday’s updated Week 6 injury report. Running back Alvin Kamara (hand/hip), wide  receiver Rashid Shaheed (hip), and linebacker Willie Gay (hand) are all making progress, as is defensive end Payton Turner (knee). Gay practiced fully on Thursday after being limited for Wednesday’s walkthrough session; the other three didn’t get on the field at all.

But much of the report remains the same. Key players like starting right guard Cesar Ruiz (knee), tight end Taysom Hill (rib), and center/guard Lucas Patrick (chest) remain sidelined and are not practicing. On a positive note, running back Kendre Miller (hamstring) has continued to practice fully each day, so he’s well on his way to returning from injured reserve soon. He just  needs to continue stacking good days.

Here’s the full injury report from both teams:

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Saints announce inactive players for Week 5 game vs. Chiefs

The Saints ruled out five starters prior to Monday. Who else will be inactive as they face the Chiefs on ‘Monday Night Football?’

The New Orleans Saints are once again the more injured team entering the game. The Kansas City Chiefs, however, enter the game without Rashee Rice. That is the biggest loss to the Chiefs. The Saints, on the other hand, already ruled out seven players before the game.

The Saints will have to take on Chiefs defensive tackle without two-thirds of their interior offensive line. Cesar Ruiz will miss his second consecutive game, and Erik McCoy is on injured reserve. To make matters worse, Shane Lemieux started at center last week and is already on injured reserve himself.

Demario Davis returning is the best injury news the Saints have received, but it came at the price of losing Pete Werner and Willie Gay.

Here is the full list of inactive players for the Week 5 game versus the Chiefs:

New Orleans Saints inactive players:

  • G Cesar Ruiz (knee)
  • LB Pete Werner (hamstring)
  • LB Willie Gay (hand)
  • DE Payton Turner (knee)
  • TE Taysom Hill (rib)
  • DT Khristian Boyd
  • QB Spencer Rattler (emergency third quarterback)

Kansas City Chiefs inactive players:

  • OL C.J. Hanson
  • OT Ethan Driskell
  • DT  Marlon Tuipulotu
  • DEE Cameron Thomas

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Chiefs DT Chris Jones discusses facing former teammates: ‘It’s good to play against your peers’

Kansas City #Chiefs DT Chris Jones discusses facing former teammates: ‘It’s good to play against your peers’ | @EdEastonJr

The New Orleans Saints visit Arrowhead Stadium on Monday night. The team features multiple players who have played for the Kansas City Chiefs and contributed to Super Bowl titles.

Chiefs defensive lineman Chris Jones opened up to reporters on Friday about facing off against several former Chiefs on Monday night as they now play for the New Orleans Saints.

“Yeah, we’ve got what? (Saints LB) Willie Gay, TK (Saints DE Tanoh Kpassagnon), (Saints S) Tyrann (Mathieu), (Saints DT) Khalen Saunders – I talked to him (Saints DT Khalen Saunders) last night. I’m going to call him today to see if he can give me any spits about him being in the offense. (He) probably won’t, but it’s good, man (laughter).” said Jones. “It’s good to play against your peers that you once played and accomplished so much with. It’s also a challenge, though. We want to come in here and make sure we leave with a win. It’s exciting, (we are) looking forward to it, and maybe we can chat after the game.”

Jones is fond of all his former teammates but singled out Khalen Saunders for impacting his life off the field.

“You guys know that’s my guy (Saunders), that’s my guy,” said Jones. “We became very close over the time he was here. I used to go over to his house. (I) Still, call his Mama, Mama. She had a very personable relationship. That’s my guy. That’s my guy. I wish him nothing but success on his journey in this league. And I know when we play Monday, he’s (the) opponent.”

Saunders played for the Chiefs from 2019 to 2022, winning two Super Bowls alongside Jones on the defensive line.

Updated Saints injury report adds yet another DNP on the offensive line

The updated Saints injury report added yet another DNP on the offensive line. They’re going to have a tough time against the Chiefs if these injuries persist:

The New Orleans Saints’ Friday injury report only made matters worse for the already banged up offensive line, as guard/center Lucas Patrick (groin) was added to the list of non-participants today. The potential loss of Patrick for Monday nights’ game in Kansas City, would likely mean that the entirety of the interior starters would be out next week. Already down Erik McCoy (hernia) and likely down Cesar Ruiz (knee) and Shane Lemieux (ankle), it could be an incredibly scary sight going up against All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones in this game. Klint Kubiak and the offensive staff will almost definitely have to pull some tricks out of the hat to cover these blows.

Some other notables were that kicker Blake Grupe (right hip) was back in the lineup after not practicing Thursday as well as tight end Juwan Johnson (forearm) and running back Kendre Miller (hamstring) who were back as full participants after being limited. Tackle Taliese Fuaga (back) added knee to his back injury but was still limited once again. The other notable was that receiver A.T. Perry disappeared from the list, who we found was waived earlier today by the team.

Other than that, it was more of the same with a handful of guys status in doubt. Willie Gay (hand), Taysom Hill (rib) and Payton Turner (knee) were the other non-participants on Friday. It doesn’t look like Willie Gay will be up this week after checking out his recent Instagram post but Hill and Turner could possibly make their way to active status with an extra rest day this week. Dennis Allen said earlier in the week that Taysom does in fact have broken ribs similar to what running back Alvin Kamara was dealing with last week. This could leave the potential for Hill possibly making an effort to get out there on Monday depending on the severity. Only difference is that Hill did sustain the same injury on the opposite side of his body just two weeks ago. Although there’s a chance it is probably safe for the team to be cautious on Hill as it seems they’re a bit of a different team with him available.

Here is the full list of injuries after Friday’s practice:

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Four DNP’s listed on first New Orleans Saints injury report of 2024

The New Orleans Saints listed twice as many players as the Carolina Panthers on their first injury report of the 2024 season, but things are trending up for Week 1:

The New Orleans Saints listed twice as many players as the Carolina Panthers on their first injury report of the 2024 season, but things are trending up for Week 1. For one thing, all 22 of their projected starters on offense and defense practiced on Wednesday.

But four players were sidelined for the black and gold. Rookie linebacker Jaylan Ford (hamstring) and first-year tight end Dallin Holker (ankle) were each inactive, as were backup linebacker D’Marco Jackson and defensive tackle Khalen Saunders (both calf injuries). Saunders isn’t expected to play this week after getting nicked up late in the preseason.

And the good news is that several key players practiced at least on a limited basis, including cornerback Marshon Lattimore (hip) and guard Nick Saldiveri (calf), who each missed most of training camp. Linebacker Willie Gay Jr. (back) was also limited in his return to practice. Starting linebacker Pete Werner (shoulder) practiced fully while continuing to receive treatment.

Here’s the initial injury report from both teams for Wednesday, Sept. 4:

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Chris Olave returns to Saints practice, but Demario Davis leaves

Chris Olave returned to New Orleans Saints practice on Wednesday after a hard fall, but Demario Davis left early with what Dennis Allen says is a hamstring injury:

Let’s start with the good news. Chris Olave returned to practice at New Orleans Saints training camp on Wednesday, having exited the previous day’s session after a scary fall. And he was in good enough spirits to scrap with his teammate Paulson Adebo when drills got too chippy. It’s safe to say the Saints’ leading receiver isn’t missing a beat.

Now the bad news. Star linebacker Demario Davis left Wednesday’s practice session early with what head coach Dennis Allen said afterwards was a hamstring injury. Soft tissue injuries like these are common early in camp, and the intensity has picked up with players running at full speed in pads, so  it’s not too surprising.

But it also goes to show that we may be taking Davis for granted. He’s the oldest linebacker in the NFL — not just among starters, but the entire position group. He’s been remarkably consistent since coming to New Orleans but he won’t be here forever. We’ll monitor his progress in recovery, but this is a big opportunity for Pete Werner and Willie Gay Jr. (both of whom are free agents in 2025) to show why they could be the future of the position for the Saints.

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Countdown to Kickoff: Demario Davis is the Saints Player of Day 56

Countdown to Kickoff: Demario Davis is the Saints Player of Day 56. The five-time All-Pro linebacker is still playing at an incredibly high level

The countdown to the New Orleans Saints 2024 regular season kickoff is underway as we highlight every player who wears the corresponding jersey number. With now 56 days remaining before the Saints’ Week 1 game against the Carolina Panthers, linebacker Demario Davis is today’s Saints Player of the Day:

  • Name (Age): Demario Davis (35)
  • Position: Linebacker
  • Height, weight: 6-foot-2, 248 pounds
  • Relative Athletic Score: 8.99
  • 2024 salary cap hit: $9,033,000
  • College: Arkansas State
  • Drafted: 3rd round in 2012 (New York Jets)
  • NFL experience: 13 years

Demario Davis has been one of the most decorated Saints players since his arrival in 2018. At age 35, Davis is still one of the game’s most elite players at his position. After securing his fifth consecutive All-Pro selection as well as his second Pro Bowl nod, Davis has shown no signs of slowing down.

The Saints made sure to add some depth behind Davis this offseason at the linebacker position with the signings of Willie Gay Jr. and Khaleke Hudson while adding Jaylan Ford in the draft. These signings along with the presence of fellow starting linebacker Pete Werner relieves a little bit of pressure off Davis who has been the mainstay for so many years. These additions also give the team some options at the position in terms of Davis’ replacement once he decides to hang up the cleats.

With that being said, year in and year out he continues to prove to us that father time has not yet caught up to him. This gives us even more hope and reason to believe that Davis will have another phenomenal year in his 13th season. As a leader and a voice to not only his football team but to all of New Orleans, Davis’ presence will continue to be monumental in where these Saints’ end up come January.

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NFL announces key dates for 2025 draft, start of free agency

The Saints will have some high-profile free agents in 2025 like Paulson Adebo and Rashid Shaheed. The NFL just announced when they could hit the market:

Yes, 2025 is still a long ways away — but it’s important to keep an eye on the future. That’s how the New Orleans Saints operate, and so does every other NFL team. The league office announced key dates for the 2025 offseason this week, highlighting the 2025 NFL draft and the start of free agency.

Here’s what we learned:

  • Feb. 18 to March 4: This is the window for teams to use the franchise tag (or the less-common transition tag).
  • March 12: This is the start of the new league year and free agency signing period.
  • April 24-26: The three-day 2025 NFL draft, which will be held in Green Bay.

We can infer some other things, like the real start of free agency being March 10. That’s when the legal tampering period opens, where teams court free agents and discuss contracts, but deals may only be agreed to, not signed. Every year a couple of players renege on those handshake agreements so nothing is guaranteed until pens go to paper a few days later.

Will the Saints use the franchise tag in 2025? Maybe. They’d like to avoid it given their complex salary cap situation, but they have several high-profile players headed for free agency after the 2024 season: Paulson Adebo, Pete Werner, Chase Young, Willie Gay, Juwan Johnson, Payton Turner, and Rashid Shaheed (who will be a restricted free agent, making him ineligible for the tag but easier to re-sign).

No one expected the Saints to use the franchise tag the last time they brought it out, at least not the summer before. It certainly wasn’t expected to be such a difficult decision between tagging Marcus Williams or Trey Hendrickson. Letting Hendrickson walk away in free agency (while tagging Williams only to fail to re-sign him later) has turned out to be one of Mickey Loomis’ biggest blunders, but going into his breakout season with the Saints he had just 6.5 sacks in three years. We’re in the same position now that we were then. Maybe one of those players we just listed performs so well in 2024 the Saints can’t afford to let them go in 2025.

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PFF says Saints free agent pickup Willie Gay is a bounce-back candidate in 2024

Pro Football Focus says Saints free agent pickup Willie Gay is a bounce-back candidate in 2024. The team is hoping the same:

The New Orleans Saints can’t perform like they did last season and hope to get to the playoffs — repeating the same actions and expecting different results is the definition of insanity. And it’ll take greater efforts from everyone, coaches and players, to earn a playoff berth.

Most teams sign veteran free agents in hopes of them being an upgrade over players already on the roster, so it’s interesting to see one of the Saints’ first pickups characterized as a bounce-back candidate by Pro Football Focus. Linebacker Willie Gay inked a $3 million contract with the Saints earlier this offseason after spending the first four years of his career with the Kansas City Chiefs. Here’s why he needs to step up on a new team in 2024, according to PFF’s Bradley Locker:

Gay earned a career-worst 55.9 overall grade in 2023, mainly due to his 41.1 coverage grade — the third-worst mark among inside linebackers to play 650 or more snaps. Regardless, Gay had plenty of high moments, with five games of notching an overall grade of 76.0 or better. Overall, Gay has proven a solid linebacker throughout his NFL career, racking up 25 or more stops in each of the past three seasons.

As was the case in Kansas City, Gay probably won’t be asked to be the primary force over the middle, joining Demario Davis. But if New Orleans can put less pressure on Gay in coverage and allow him to pin his ears back a bit more, the 26-year-old could flourish.

Gay is entering a training camp competition with Pete Werner for the right to start next to Davis, and there’s plenty at stake. Both Gay and Werner are going to be free agents in 2025, so there’s a real chance that whoever loses this battle won’t be back after the 2024 season. Gay was earning more early looks in coverage at the Saints’ spring practices recently, but it’s a long offseason, and there’s plenty of time for Werner to respond and secure his starting job (and the lucrative contract extension that may come with it).

Still, iron sharpens iron. If Gay does improve on his performance in Kansas City and take Werner’s spot in the lineup, the Saints would have to be left feeling great about the decision to recruit him in the first place. It’s shaping up for a competitive summer in New Orleans. Let’s see if it results in more wins during the fall.

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PFF analyst grades Saints’ offseason so far with a strong B+

How do you grade the New Orleans Saints offseason so far? Pro Football Focus gave them a B-plus, but that’s still second-place in the NFC South:

NFL offseason grades don’t carry much value, but they are a good measuring stick for finding how different teams (and their offseason strategies) are being perceived. So how do the New Orleans Saints stack up against the rest of the NFC South? Their road to the playoffs runs through the division, and it’s worth keeping up with them to see how each squad compares.

Pro Football Focus analyst Trevor Sikkema graded the Saints’ offseason thus far with a B-plus, which was better than the Atlanta Falcons (C-minus) and Carolina Panthers (C-plus), but a little behind the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (A), who won the division last season. Still, its’ good to see the Saints on the right side of the bell curve. Here’s why he says they earned such a strong grade from Sikkema:

The Saints no longer have Michael Thomas, Jameis Winston and Andrus Peat from last year’s team, but those losses don’t hurt their overall outlook. On the flip side, they added Chase Young and Willie Gay while extending Tyrann Mathieu.

New Orleans’ top two draft picks, Taliese Fuaga and Kool-Aid McKinstry, can make an impact in Year 1, and I like the flier on Spencer Rattler in the fifth round as a developmental quarterback behind Derek Carr.

And they aren’t finished yet — June 1 is rapidly approaching, at which point the Saints (and every other team) will get a little financial relief from past departures like Thomas and Winston. They’ll also enjoy greater flexibility for players carrying high salary cap hits like Alvin Kamara ($18.5 million) and Taysom Hill ($14.6 million), while making it more viable to trade Marshon Lattimore, even if that appears to be a lower possibility than it was before the NFL draft.

So while the big moves are settled and it doesn’t appear they’ll be adding any starters or hot names, we can’t rule out more movement from the Saints over the summer. They still have some obvious flaws to address on both offense (depth at the skill positions, and a vacancy at left guard) and defense (more pass rush help and another defensive tackle), but this is a roster they clearly feel is ready to compete in the fall. They felt that way last year, too. Maybe this time they’ll get it right.

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