Minicamp's arrived, and the gang's all here

Good morning, and welcome to the Saints Insider newsletter for Wednesday, June 12.

The Saints opened their third phase of offseason workouts on Tuesday with the first of three mandatory minicamp workouts at the team's training facility in Metairie.

It was our first time to see stars Alvin Kamara and Marshon Lattimore on the practice field this offseason, and both looked enthused and energized. Their arrivals led our coverage from a busy Tuesday.

Here's the rundown... 

Better Latt' than never

Lattimore met with the media Tuesday for the first time in nearly a year, and he had plenty to say about where things stand with him and the Saints. The star cornerback said he's happy in New Orleans, and that his "personal situation" with the team has been rectified this offseason. 

A.K. is OK

Can the new offensive system resurrect Alvin Kamara's career? That's a question the Saints hope to answer this season. The veteran back looked like his old explosive self on a long run Tuesday, highlighting Luke Johnson's practice observations.

Injury updates on Ramczyk, Young

Ryan Ramczyk was excused from participation while he continues to try to work his way back to the playing field while managing a chronic knee condition. His status for the upcoming season remains uncertain. Saints head coach Dennis Allen said "there is no timeline" for his return.

Likewise, defensive end Chase Young is still not practicing while he rehabs from offseason neck surgery. He told reporters "I feel fine," but wouldn't commit to whether he'll be ready to join teammates on the field for the start of training camp July 23.

Overlooked or overmatched?

For the first time in a long time, the Saints enter a season with low expectations -- at least from a national perspective. My column on the head-no-evil, see-no-evil mindset the team has cultivated this offseason at Allen's behest.

New arrivals

The Saints invited a handful of players to practice on a tryout basis, including a few with local ties.

Top shots

And last but not least, photographer Sophia Germer compiled a beautiful gallery of photos from Tuesday's steamy practice session. Check out her amazing shots.

That's all for today. We'll have plenty more coverage and analysis from practice on Wednesday and Thursday as the Saints march toward the end of offseason workouts. 

Until next time,

Jeff Duncan