Going back to Cali: Saints head West to work against the Chargers

Good morning, and welcome to the August 16 edition of the Saints Insider newsletter. 

Fittingly, "California Love" and "Going Back to Cali" highlighted the soundtrack at Saints practice on Tuesday. The Saints fly to the West Coast today for joint practices against the Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday and Friday, ahead of the teams' preseason game at SoFi Stadium on Sunday.

'The Ceiling is so high'

That's how Saints offensive line coach Doug Marrone describes second-year left tackle Trevor Penning. The 2022 first-round draft pick is drinking from a fire hose these days as the Saints coaching staff tries to accelerate the learning process and prepare him to start the season at the offensive line's most important position. Beat writer Luke Johnson reports on Penning's progress.

Rookie raves

A.T. Perry and Blake Grupe were among the stars in the Saints' 26-24 preseason win against the Chiefs on Sunday, and the rookie duo shined throughout Tuesday's practice, the club's 15th workout of training camp. The play of Perry and Grupe, along with a visit from a special guest, highlighted my observations from the training camp workout.

Coming and going

The Saints released a veteran wide receiver Tuesday to make room for newly signed running back Darrell Williams. Patrick Magee has the story.

That's it for today. Luke and I fly to California today to cover the Saints' joint practices and exhibition game against the Chargers. (Hey, it's a tough job but someone's got to do it!) We'll have coverage throughout the week from the West Coast.

Until next time...

Cheers,

Jeff Duncan