Ryan Ramczyk isn’t going to play a single snap during the 2024 season. That became clear when the New Orleans Saints placed him on the reserve PUP list. Because of a cartilage issue in his knee that Ramczyk has been dealing with for a few years, the Saints will be without a staple player this season.

Since going public with the injury, Ramczyk and New Orleans were honest about the fact the issue could end the veteran tackle’s career. That’s why when it was announced he would miss the 2024 season, fans were concerned that we’ve seen the last of Ramczyk in a Saints uniform.

However, that may not be the case. Head coach Dennis Allen explained why when speaking with the media on Tuesday. Earlier in the offseason, Ramczyk had a knee surgery that everyone hoped would allow him to play this season. Unfortunately, his knee didn’t respond how they hoped it would. But, Allen revealed this surgery was the cautious approach.

The Saints coach explained there was another surgery on the table but the outcome was much more hit or miss. Either Ramczyk would be able to return to the field or his career would be over. Since the team and the tackle opted for the other surgery, the hope is now that he’ll be able to return to playing after a year off.

DA said today there were basically two surgical options for Ramczyk's knee. The Saints appeared to take the more cautious route. The other option "was a lot more, yes or no, meaning, you do the procedure and if it responds right, it'll be good. If you don't, well, he's done."

— Katherine Terrell (@Kat_Terrell) July 24, 2024

Saints hoping Ryan Ramczyk can return after a year off

This would obviously be great news for New Orleans, Ramczyk, and everyone involved. Since entering the league in 2017, Ramczyk has started at right tackle for New Orleans. He quickly emerged as one of the league’s best tackles. By year two, he was Second-team All-Pro; by his third year, he made his way to the First-team.

Ramczyk provided the Saints with stable offensive line play at a tough position, and now they’ll be challenged without him. However, Ramczyk is just 30 years old, and a year away from the game could make way for a healthy and dominant return.