New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton didn’t exactly go into detail about Ryan Ramczyk’s injury update, and the team is still not sure if he’ll play in Week 18.
Star right tackle Ryan Ramczyk has been out since Week 10 due to a knee injury and has been on the COVID-19/ reserve list since Dec. 24.
This is what Payton said about Ramczyk’s possibility of playing against the Falcons:
Payton on if Ramczyk will play before the season ends: "We'll see."
— Nick Underhill (@nick_underhill) January 5, 2022
Sean Payton injury translator: "Ryan Ramczyk's current status ranges somewhere between...he is perfectly fine and we'll see him Sunday against the Falcons...to...thoughts and prayers are with the Ramczyk family as Ryan was put to rest two weeks ago." https://t.co/XVinLZY1H0
— Christopher Dunnells (@ChrisDunnells) January 5, 2022
Basically, no one knows if Ramczyk will play on Sunday, or if they do know, they’re not telling the media.
Potentially not having their starting right tackle is one thing, but New Orleans may also be without left tackle Terron Armstead.
New Orleans Saints anxiously await update on Ryan Ramczyk
Armstead has been sidelined for the last three games after aggravating his knee injury in Week 14, and his availability for the Saints’ last regular season game remains unclear as well.
If neither offensive tackle suits up, backups James Hurst and Caleb Benendoch will likely take over starting duties.
In Week 17’s win against the Carolina Panthers, guard Cesar Ruiz was the only starter ready to play, and heading into Week 18, NOLA’s offensive line depth doesn’t seem to be getting any healthier.
The Saints have missed both Ramczyk and Armstead for a total of five games so far. Their offense’s production remains inefficient as ever, and they’ll need their elite tackling bookend to give themselves their best shot at postseason contention.
Stay tuned for more Saints injury updates.