New Orleans Saints

New Orleans Saints tight end Juwan Johnson (foot) made his return to team drills at training camp practice on Thursday. It's the first time that Johnson has taken part in team drills since being activated from the Physically Unable to Perform list on Tuesday. The 27-year-old wasn't able to practice with the rest of his teammates for the start of training camp at the end of July after having surgery on his foot back in January. He's unlikely to play in the team's preseason finale on Sunday against the Tennessee Titans but should be ready to go for Week 1 against the Carolina Panthers on Sept. 8, barring a setback in practices of the next two weeks. Johnson will be on the TE2/3 borderline after taking a step back in 2023 with 37 receptions for 368 yards and four touchdowns in 13 games (11 starts) in his fourth year in New Orleans. Do-it-all offensive weapon Taysom Hill will likely continue to be a thorn in Johnson's side.

New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen said he doesn't think wide receiver Rashid Shaheed's (toe, foot) injury will keep him out for an extended period of time, and he's not dealing with turf toe. Shaheed's injury caused him to miss the second preseason game last weekend against the San Francisco 49ers. While the 25-year-old might not be able to play in the preseason finale this Sunday versus the Tennessee Titans, Allen's comments on Wednesday at least make it sound like he'll have a chance to be ready for the Week 1 regular-season opener in two weeks. The former undrafted free agent from Weber State entered last year as the team's WR3 behind Chris Olave and Michael Thomas, but his involvement in the offense didn't really increase all that much after Thomas' season-ending ankle injury. Shaheed is still probably more useful to the Saints as an All-Pro kick returner, but he could also have a bigger role in the offense in 2024, making him a more palatable boom/bust WR4/5 wideout.

New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen is concerned about Kendre Miller's (hamstring) availability. Allen noted, "All I can go off of is what I've been able to evaluate, and frankly, since we drafted him, there hasn't been much new information other than what I saw on college tape because he hasn't been available." The 2023 third-round pick has struggled with knee, hamstring, and ankle issues as a rookie and is still sidelined by a new hamstring injury after leaving the first training camp practice early. Allen added, "He's talented, but I'm unsure if he can grasp the system because I haven't seen him on the field." With Alvin Kamara and Jamaal Williams likely starting the season as the top running backs and Miller sidelined, the No. 3 spot will be filled by either Jordan Mims, James Robinson, or a new addition after cuts.

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (back) participated in team drills on Wednesday, marking his most complete practice in over a week, though his reps were still limited. Head coach Dennis Allen expressed confidence in the team's running back depth, stating, "I think we've got guys that can play in the NFL, so that's not a concern of mine." Despite missing four games last seasonthree due to suspensionKamara finished second among running backs in receptions (75) and targets (86). He averaged 89.2 scrimmage yards per game, scored six touchdowns, and caught a career-high 87.2% of his targets. Apart from concerns about age and potential injury, Kamara is poised to be a solid RB2 in drafts, particularly in PPR leagues, if he remains healthy leading up to the season.

New Orleans Saints running back Jordan Mims went undrafted last year out of Fresno State, and after a brief stint with the San Francisco 49ers, he landed with the Saints and played in two regular-season games. With Kendre Miller (hamstring) continuing to deal with injuries, Mims has seen extra opportunities this offseason. According to Ross Jackson of LouisianaSports.net, he has made the most of them. "The play began with [Derek] Carr and Mims talking in the backfield, Carr looking to instruct the running back on how to attack the play," Jackson wrote. "The conversation paid off as Mims beat linebacker Demario Davis down the left sideline for what would have been a big gain. It was an impressive catch by the back who continues to catch eyes." It's important not to overreact to a practice highlight, but if Miller can't stay healthy or make an impact, Mims could occupy the RB3 role behind Alvin Kamara and Jamaal Williams in 2024. This report puts him on the deep-league fantasy football radar, but he can be ignored in traditional drafts.