The New Orleans Saints have had one of their offensive tackle spots locked down over the past seven seasons. Ryan Ramczyk has been an All-Pro top elf player for much of his career. Over the past few years, a nagging knee injury has crept up on him, though.

Unfortunately, it is an injury that won't simply 'go away' for the top-flight OT. Katherine Terrell of ESPN broke down the situation for the veteran offensive tackle for New Orleans. 

Ramczyk says that he has a cartilage defect in his knee. That issue has formed some uncertainty for his NFL future beyond the 2023 season.

The Saints star tackle has missed the past two game due to the issue. He's not expected to play in Week 17, either. 

According to Ramczyk, there is not a lot of cartilage left in the injured knee. It's a difficult problem to create a solution for, even in today's age of medicine. 

"I think those are the discussions we are going to have, that need to be had, and we'll go from there. … I'll talk with surgeons, doctors, get as much as information as I can and then just make the best decision."

— Ramczyk on fixing the knee problem in the future

In his first four years in the league, Ramczyk did not miss a single game. He missed four matchups in 2021 due to the injury. It's lingered, and he considers it to be a nagging problem that simply refuses to lighten up as of now. 

The Saints have done their best to manage Ramczyk's workload this season. They've given him a rest day during every practice week. Fans have learned the usual 'veteran rest day' for him and Jimmy Graham. 

Pain management has not been easy for Ramczyk since the start of the season, though. 

Ramczyk signed a five-year, $96 million extension in 2021. The deal made him the highest-paid RT in the NFL. He still has three years left on that extension. The star OT does not think his career is over, but it cannot be ruled out – of course.

"I feel like I'm not done yet. I feel like I still want to play… I feel like I'm still passionate about the game. When you think about it like that, my mind frame is, 'I want to play, and I want to keep doing it, so what can I do to get better, to not have this happen in-season?'" — Ramczyk on the idea that he may not play again

His contract's a tough situation for New Orleans now. he owns the second-highest cap hit on the team in 2024. 

Releasing him isn't an option for the Saints. If they cut him before June 1st, they'd have to deal with a $32 million dead money hit against the cap.

Hopefully, the offseason is one where Ramczyk can find new ways to improve the issue and lower the pain. It does not sound like he will return this season, but that decision is not final quite yet. 

Saints vs. Bucs broadcast map: Will you be able to watch on TV?

The New Orleans Saints (7-8) have a tall task in Week 17. They'll face the surging Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-7) on FOX at noon central.  New Orleans must win the game to stay alive in the playoff race. The Bucs can clinch an NFC South title with a victory.  Will you be able to watch […]