Uncertainty provides intrigue in New Orleans Saints preseason finale

Starting jobs are at stake for several positions

Aug 24, 2024 at 11:00 AM

John DeShazier

Senior Writer

Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts on Friday, August 23 during 2024 Saints Training Camp from their open practice at the Caesars Superdome ahead of the their game against the Tennessee Titans in Week 3 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.

Let's face it: There are times when a preseason finale can be a level or two above a good nap. And there's a possibility that when New Orleans plays Tennessee at 1 p.m. Sunday in the Caesars Superdome preseason finale for each, it won't present the most riveting level of football to be displayed.

But for the Saints, at least, starting jobs are on the line. And if right tackle, left guard, punter and kicker remain up for grabs – as well as the safety position opposite Tyrann Mathieu – then at least a level of intrigue will be offered that otherwise would be missing if all seats had been taken before the preseason finale music stopped.

We never proclaim to know who'll play, when they'll play and for how long they'll play in preseason, but here's another deductive guess as to how it may shake out for the Saints:

FIRST QUARTER: I'm not sure if starting center Erik McCoy and right guard Cesar Ruiz will make an appearance. If so, figure it to be short. But right tackle Trevor Penning, left guard Lucas Patrick and left tackle Taliese Fuaga should start and play at least two series – and, maybe, play the entire first half. They need the work; Fuaga is locked in as a starter, but he missed time with back tightness and the reps will do him good. Don't expect to see Derek Carr unless the Saints want to give him a series in front of the home crowd. Otherwise, Jake Haener is the quarterback for the first half. On defense, even though linebackers Demario Davis and Pete Werner haven't played in preseason games and have missed practice time with injuries, bubble wrap them and expect to see Anfernee Orji and Khaleke Hudson. With Mathieu not playing, Will Harris is at one safety, Jordan Howden is at the other. Charlie Smyth handles the first half kicking duties, Matthew Hayball the punting.
SECOND QUARTER: Haener has connected a couple of times with receiver A.T. Perry, who's now on the bench. So, too, is tight end Juwan Johnson, who made his preseason debut in the first quarter because he needs to knock off some rust. Running back is Jordan Mims; Alvin Kamara may make a surprise start, but Kamara, Jamaal Williams and Taysom Hill will be on the sideline wearing baseball caps. If Bryan Bresee started at defensive tackle, he's out now and the work belongs to Jack Heflin and Khristian Boyd. Receivers probably are Kevin Austin Jr. and Bub Means.
THIRD QUARTER: Rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler opens and finishes the game taking snaps. Recent addition Andrew Dowell is playing linebacker and since cornerbacks Shemar Jean-Charles and Rejzohn Wright played early Rico Payton is eating up snaps at cornerback. It'll be intriguing if receiver Mason Tipton , an early training camp standout, is in the lineup by now. If not, it's because Stanley Morgan Jr., Equanimeous St. Brown and Samson Nacua are rotating. Blake Grupe is kicking, Lou Hedley is punting.
FOURTH QUARTER: Tipton definitely is playing by now, and his speed will test the Titan secondary. Johnathan Abram has had his at-bat at safety, and Roderic Teamer is on the field for the close. Not sure if Isaiah Foskey still is in at defensive end, but the work couldn't hurt; he needs productive reps. Linebacker Mike Rose is flying around while on offense, Jesse Davis and Kyle Hergel may be at guard. In a close game, Rattler has a chance to lead to a game-winning score.

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Check out photos of the fan experience inside the Caesars Superdome for Saints Open Practice during New Orleans Saints Training Camp 2024 ahead of the Saints game against the Tennessee Titans in Week 3 of the 2024 NFL Preseason.

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