Key Saints players missing on day 18 of training camp

IRVINE — That's it. The Saints' final practice in California is over, as New Orleans wore sweats and had a lighter session before their preseason game against the 49ers. For anyone interested, that will be televised nationally on FOX. Here's a look at what Day 18 looked like for the Black and Gold.

Players who did not participate in Friday's practice included Rashid Shaheed, Kendre Miller (hamstring), Alvin Kamara (back tightness), Isaiah Stalbird (ankle), Jaylan Ford (hamstring), Nick Saldiveri (calf), Josiah Ezirim, Taliese Fuaga (back tightness), Trajan Jeffcoat (elbow) and Michael Jacobson.

Dennis Allen said Rashid Shaheed has a toe/foot injury to deal with as he has only just returned to the team after being sidelined with a hamstring injury. Josiah Ezirim suffered an ankle injury on Thursday while Michael Jacobson also has a foot injury.

AT Perry returned and took some individual reps, but no team reps. Equanimeous St. Brown took some team reps, but not all of them. Meanwhile, Demario Davis seems to be becoming a full-time part of the defense again. He took more team reps and was on some series.

Ugo Amadi, Pete Werner, Paulson Adebo and Mason Tipton were observers. Werner participated in the passes. Marshon Lattimore was also an observer, while Adebo and Amado worked off-field.

Matt Rhea worked with Ugo and Paulson Adebo working off-field today. This could be a good sign for their return. Juwan Johnson also worked off-field, this time with a helmet on.

The Saints cornerbacks wore goggles for some of their drills today. They improve their vision and anticipation. They've used these goggles before, but Joe Woods also uses them as a good teaching tool.

Dennis Allen said he can go home and rest because of Taliese Fuaga's back problems. He should be ready for Week 1, but it would be surprising if he plays against the 49ers. For most of these injured players, we will have to wait and see if they are ready when they return to New Orleans.

Spencer Rattler said his thigh was fine, 100%. He wanted to be part of the training so he wouldn't lose his rhythm.

We had a scuffle at the end of the game between Erik McCoy, Lucas Patrick and Bryan Bresee. It's unclear exactly what happened, but it happened on a 2nd-and-10 play from the defense's 31-yard line with 0:11 left in the game. Dennis Allen said he didn't run any other plays, especially not a Hail Mary.

Nice work by Jake Haener to get the offense into the end zone for the final stretch of the game. Had some good passes to Kevin Austin Jr. and Samson Nacua. Scored Austin Jr. for the opening goal with 10 seconds left. The first team offense had some problems today.

The offensive line looked varied, but the first consisted of (from left to right): Landon Young, Shane Lemieux, Erik McCoy, Cesar Ruiz and Trevor Penning. Lucas Patrick also moved to left tackle and Lucas Patrick to left guard.

It was a rough day for Taysom Hill. He was pretty active in the backfield with a variety of running plays. He also had a fullback dive. His use this season will certainly be interesting to watch.

Strong punting day for Lou Hedley. It was perhaps one of his most consistent in camp. His hang times were: 4.41, 4.53, 4.30, 4.60, 4.58, 4.91, 4.51, 4.12, 4.56, 4.50, 4.59 and 4.58.

Blake Grupe hit 7/8 today and missed one from 42 yards. His hits were extra point, 37, 39, 27, 42, 47 and 49.

Dennis Allen said of the training camp in California: “We have accomplished a lot in the last few weeks.” He mentioned that we were able to train here with minimal distractions.