Saints offensive tackle Ryan Ramczyk is not progressing well with the knee injury that cost him five games in 2023 and could be in danger of missing the 2024 season according to Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football.

Ramczyk recently underwent a knee procedure aimed at rectifying what has proven to be a lingering issue and he seemed to be progressing well.  Head coach Dennis Allen told reporters at the annual NFL owners meeting, however, that he felt better about his right tackle's health at the time of the surgery than he does now.

Ramczyk said late in the 2023 campaign he has been dealing with a cartilage defect for years, admitting it has increasingly become an issue over time. He acknowledged his short-term future was uncertain with respect to undergoing surgery while adding his intention to continue playing. As things stand, though, the former All-Pro could be sidelined for an extended period during the final year in which guaranteed money exists on his contract.

The former first-rounder agreed to restructure his deal and lowered his cap hit to $12.86MM in the process. He is owed $6.5MM guaranteed for 2024 regardless of his health status, but a release or retirement could come into play next offseason without progress in his rehab. Ramczyk is under contract through 2026, and Underhill’s colleague Mike Triplett notes the team would incur $23MM in dead money in either development.