The New Orleans Saints were back outside for the second straight day for the fourth practice of training camp at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center in Metairie.
In was 86 degrees (but felt like 93) on the practice fields. The Saints practice for two hours, which was a 15-minute increase from Thursday’s session.
Friday’s observations:
PARTICIPATION
Offensive lineman Andrus Peat (inch) a linebacker Anthony Chickillo missed their fourth straight practices while defensive approach Spitige Tuttle missed his second. Cornerback Johnson Bademosi was not present, missing his first practice of the press season.
In addition, Quarterback Taysom Hill was absent Friday, but it was not injured related. Hill’s wife, Emily, is pregnant and her due date for her first child, a boy, is planned shortly.
Saints coach Sean Payton did not comment publicly on whether Hill’s absence was related to Emily’s pregnancy, but said “I will wait for him to announce it, but I know they are doing well.”
The other Hill on the team, tight end Josh Hill, was present and disguised, but did not participate in team drills. Friday was the second day Hill was undressed but worked on the sidelines. He missed the first two practices of camp with an unspecified “tweak.”
For the second straight day linebacker Kiko Alonso worked outside on some things of rehab type. He stays on the PUP list as he recovers from a torn ACL.
OFFICIAL LINE WORK
Holy lineman Erik McCoy stood in center for the fourth practice in a row, and rookie lineman Cesar Ruiz sat waiting for the fourth day on right. Earlier in camp, Payton said the two would rotate, but there had been no rotation yet.
Lineman Nick Easton took first-team reps on the left guard, continuing to fill for Peat.
Start approaching Terron Armstead en Ryan Ramczyk were back after taking limited reps in what turned out to be a lighter load on Thursday.
ENJOYMENT IS FREE
The defense had another impressive day in team periods, and Payton said so much.
“I thought the defense had a very good day,” Payton said. “Overall, I think they have their legs under them.”
The offense started strong with quarterback Drew Brees opening of the first team period with completions to wide receiver Michael Thomas, wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders, Thomas again and tight end Jared Cook before things went off the rails. On Brees’ last attempt of that series, he threw off a pass that turned out to be intended for wide receiver Tre’Quan Smith.
When Brees returned to the team drills, he launched a pass intended for Thomas but cornerback Janoris “Jackrabbit” Jenkins broke it up and Brees was less than happy. On the next game, Brees had Cook in his sights, but the ball fell imperfectly, resulting in more frustration for Brees. Brees ended that three-player series with a sequel to Thomas.
In the second period of team drills, defensive end Carl Granderson, defensive unit Cameron Jordan a linebacker Demario Davis all waste Brees. In addition, both Jenkins and security Ceedy Duce came up short with Saints quarterback interceptions.
WINSTON UPDATE
Quarterback Jameis Winston had an increase in reps Friday with Taysom Hill absent, but not everything went according to plan.
In the first team session, one of Winston’s first attempts was killed by defensive work Jalen Dalton. Winston was later fired. He came back by connecting with a wide receiver Lil’Jordan Humphrey, but then returned rookie receiver Marquez Callaway on the next play. Winston shot back with completions to run back Ty Montgomery and Callaway.
On the final two plays of the first team session, Winston took a bad snap and completed a pass to wide receiver Deonte Harris. He then connected with a wide receiver Emmanuel Butler.
Winston started the second team session with a handoff to run back Dwayne Washington, then had four straightforward imperfections. Cornerback Patrick Robinson was in cover for two of those missed passes and cornerback Justin Hardee was involved in another. The fourth fill was reversed. Winston picked up his six-play series with a completion to wide receiver Juwan Johnson.
The rehearsal period of the second team ended with Winston still having three plays. He completed two passes to wide receiver Bennie Fowler III, but between those catches, cornerback PJ Williams had a distinction on a pass meant for rookie tight end Tommy Stevens.
Payton said he is pleased with what Winston has shown so far.
“He can throw from some awkward positions; it doesn’t have to be perfect around him,” Payton said. “I am encouraged with his progress.”
FOLLOWING
The Saints are back Saturday with their fifth full-pad practice.
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