Nick Underhill's analysis from Saints training camp presents 10 takeaways, offering a cautiously optimistic mid-summer view: some players and schemes look promising, but several questions remain that temper expectations heading into the season.
The NFL fined the Dallas Cowboys and New Orleans Saints $500,000 apiece after a string of unsportsmanlike fights during joint practices, citing a memo that stressed professionalism; both teams will meet again in the preseason finale on Aug. 28.
In a Rams–Saints joint practice in Oxnard, the Saints’ offense looked steady with Tyler Shough handling QB2 duties while a rookie delivered a standout showing, signaling progress in New Orleans’ offensive development and quarterback competition.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said the team will fine players involved in fights during joint practices with the Saints, aiming to recoup roughly $500,000 in costs; he also plans to appeal the NFL’s penalties, highlighting a potential push to pass expenses to players, though league fines are intended to deter such altercations.
The NFL fined the Dallas Cowboys and New Orleans Saints $500,000 each after a brawl-filled joint practice, with multiple fights between the offenses and defense and a standout incident involving Saints tight end Brock Rechsteiner. The league reviewed film to determine discipline, per coach comments, and acknowledged the discipline challenge of the session, which led to no preseason cancellation but highlighted heightened tempers in joint practices. The teams’ next preseason actions are unaffected for now, with games scheduled later in August.
A Dallas Cowboys–New Orleans Saints joint practice in Oxnard escalated into a chaotic brawl as players exchanged punches, helmets were thrown, and Saints tight end Brock Rechsteiner delivered a Suplex on Cowboys safety Jalen Thompson. Cowboys rookie Donovan Ezeiruaku was removed after punching, and Saints center Erik McCoy launched a Cowboys helmet. Coach Brian Schottenheimer called the session 'unfortunate' and said it disappointed him as the teams move on to other joint practices in the NFL training-camp cycle.
Dallas and New Orleans staged a joint workout in Oxnard with the Cowboys showcasing explosive plays and red-zone success while the second-team line struggled. Dak Prescott connected with tight ends and hit George Pickens on a 60-yard improvisation, and Prescott later threw an interception to Lamb. The Saints’ defense generated pressure, with sacks from Rashan Gary, Malachi Lawrence, Shemar James, and Isaiah Land, and Jalen Thompson picked off a pass. Caleb Downs held his own against Chris Olave, who finished with notable gains and a later red-zone score. Five on-field skirmishes marred the session, but the practice served as valuable prep for the Cowboys’ starters. Top Cowboys performers highlighted were George Pickens, Rashan Gary, Jake Ferguson, Tyler Guyton, and Otito Ogbonnia.
August training camp delivered a flood of fantasy-relevant updates: Texans' Jayden Higgins suffered a torn ACL, depleting Houston’s receiving corps and complicating C.J. Stroud’s early-season targets; Saints’ Alvin Kamara is out at least a month with a sprained MCL, which could boost Travis Etienne’s early workload in Jacksonville and leave the backfield for other depth options; Kaelon Black is emerging as a potential 49ers RB2 behind Christian McCaffrey, while Titans updates show Pollard returning to practice and Carnell Tate avoiding major issues as Tennessee adds D’Ernest Johnson for depth. Fantasy managers should rebalance early-season expectations around Etienne and Houston’s passing game, monitor Kamara’s timeline, and watch for late-round handcuff value in the 49ers and Titans backfields.
On Saints training camp Day 13, quarterback Tyler Shough stood out in drills, the run game looked productive, and wide receiver Chris Olave delivered notable plays against the Cowboys, highlighting a promising offensive outlook as camp continues.
New Orleans could open Week 1 in Detroit without two key offensive weapons: rookie Jordyn Tyson is out about two months with a hamstring injury, and All-Pro running back Alvin Kamara will miss at least the next month with a sprained MCL, forcing coach Kellen Moore to lean on Travis Etienne as the lead back while Olave and Vele anchor a reworked receiving corps after Tyson’s absence.
Alvin Kamara left Tuesday’s Saints scrimmage against the Cowboys with a knee injury (MCL). ESPN reports he’ll miss at least a month, likely sidelining him for the season opener and possibly Week 2, which could push Travis Etienne into a larger early-season role for New Orleans. Further updates are expected.
Alvin Kamara and another Saints starter left a joint practice during training camp at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center in Metairie, LA, due to an injury.
The Saints and Cowboys waged a heated joint practice that included fights, but Saints head coach Kellen Moore said the chippiness wasn’t ideal yet it produced valuable work. He and Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer discussed the incidents and agreed to keep pressing, emphasizing execution of plays and learning from the edge of competition.
A Cowboys-Saints joint practice was marred by multiple fights, with ejections including Cowboys outside linebacker Donovan Ezeiruaku and tension between coaches. Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer lamented the chaos, joking that he’s running a “fight club,” while both teams discussed ending the session early, though the practice ultimately continued. The incident highlighted a rough session with calls for cleaner, more productive reps.
After the Saints’ preseason opener against the Jaguars, five players boosted their stock: Zach Wilson flashed playmaking ability at backup QB, Bub Means caught four passes for 77 yards and showed TD potential, Jayden Price locked down his cornerback role with a breakup, an interception, and a strong kick return, Jaylan Ford anchored the defense with an interception and leadership as the green dot communicator, and undrafted EDGE Mike Heldman wreaked havoc with two sacks and a TFL, positioning himself as a contest for an edge role as the team evaluates depth.