REPORT: The New Orleans Saints’ Former 1st-Round Pick Is Healthy Ahead of Training Camp

The New Orleans Saints defensive end tandem hasn’t been able to stay healthy so far throughout the offseason as two players are recovering from their injuries. Chase Young underwent neck surgery in March, and Tanoh Kpassagnon suffered an Achilles tear in the offseason. Both players missed OTAs and mandatory minicamp, and the Saints placed both players on the active/PUP list.

Thankfully, their 1st-round pick from 2021 is healthy.

The New Orleans Saints’ former 28th overall pick is healthy

Payton Turner battled many injuries and was a healthy scratch throughout his first three seasons. As a result, he missed 36 out of 51 regular season games.

Turner missed 12 games in his rookie season because of a healthy scratch and a shoulder injury. He missed nine games in his second season because of a chest, an ankle injury, and a healthy scratch. Finally, he missed 15 games in his third season because of a turf toe injury.

Turner enters training camp healthy.

Payton Turner is healthy entering training camp

“I felt really good going into last year,” said Turner, who had 29 career tackles and three sacks. “Unfortunately, the first game I had that toe injury. I did have an offseason back procedure. I’m feeling good. I’m feeling healthy right now and I’m ready to get after it this year.

“The only thing you can do in this league is control what you can control. So, I’ve had some bad luck with some injuries. I’ve taken this year and last year and fine-tuned my process, my routine. I feel like I’m in a good spot heading into this year. I’m excited to see what I can do.”

Payton Turner will compete against a former 2nd-round pick for playing time

Depending on how things work out for Chase Young and whether Tanoh Kpassagnon plays this season, the Saints’ top three defensive ends consist of Carl Granderson, Cameron Jordan, and Chase Young. The number four defensive end spot is vacant, and two players will compete.

Payton Turner will compete against Isaiah Foskey. Foskey, the 40th overall pick from 2023, didn’t play much as a rookie, limited to ten games and 83 defensive snaps, missed five games because of a health scratch and two with a quad injury. The Saints hope Foskey will have an immediate impact in Year 2.

Turner enters a pivotal 2024 season because he will be an unrestricted free agent in 2025 after the Saints declined his 5th-year option in May.

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