Top takeaways from Day 6 of Saints’ training camp

Photo by Derick E. Hingle/Getty Images

Everything we noticed from the sixth practice of training camp for the New Orleans Saints.

Photo by Derick E. Hingle/Getty Images

Here come the injuries...

The Saints have done a good job of avoiding injuries through their first week of training camp. Veteran safety J.T. Gray went down with an injury during Sunday’s practice, which Kellen Moore later confirmed as a lower leg issue, but the team has avoided injuries for the most part.

Until Wednesday, that is. Kellen Moore confirmed three injuries for New Orleans after their sixth practice of training camp— Juwan

Johnson, Treyton Welch, and John Ridgeway III. The Saints have taken a sports science approach to try to limit injuries, but unfortunately, they're just a part of the game.

QB1 Battle

Spencer Rattler

It’s becoming repetitive to say it appears that Spencer Rattler holds the keys to the Saints' offense, but the second-year quarterback continues to stand out. Despite throwing an interception during 7-on-7s, Rattler was lighting it up during Wednesday’s practice.

During team drills, the former fifth-round pick threw a beautifully placed ball to Mason Tipton streaking down the sidelines for a deep touchdown. Rattler would finish team drills, completing 9/10 of his passes, with his lone miss being on the final pass attempt of the day.

Rattler - Tipton - TD! ⚜️ pic.twitter.com/pW1Amq3t7z

— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) July 30, 2025

Jake Haener

Third-year quarterback Jake Haener had his best day in training camp. Haener played with the first team and, similarly to Rattler, was making big plays. His best play of the day was a 75-yard touchdown pass to Chris Olave, splitting Alontae Taylor and Julian Blackmon.

Haener faced a heavy pass rush throughout the day and handled it effectively. While it was a slower start to practice for the third-year signal caller, Haener caught fire and made big plays.

Tyler Shough

Rookie quarterback Tyler Shough had the slowest day during Wednesday’s practice. The rookie signal-caller mostly opted for the shorter gains and was taking what the defense was giving him. While this isn't a knock on Shough’s play, it doesn’t stand out as much as his competition’s big plays.

Shough’s recent stretch in training camp hasn't been as smooth as his play during OTAs and minicamp, but the second-round pick is still putting it together. He’s had plenty of almost plays and impressive throws that would end up not counting (out of bounds, etc). With the preseason around the corner, Shough will soon get his chance to show his abilities against real competition.

Rashid Shaheed breakout... again?

Rashid Shaheed is entering his fourth season in the NFL and may be eyeing his first 1,000-yard season. Shaheed has possibly been the most dominant player throughout camp and has worked on his game. The speedster added noticeable muscle throughout the offseason, but says his speed remains intact.

Shaheed has already shown major growth in his route tree, and his extra muscle has allowed him to be better at contest catches. There have been many instances where the 5-foot-10, 190-pound receiver has fought through contact to make a play. Combining his elite game-changing speed with a new, more physical playstyle, Shaheed could be in for another breakout season.

Good example of Rashid Shaheed playing through physicality. It’s a clear area of improvement for him since he came into the league. #Saints pic.twitter.com/H3OPVhqEBx

— Jeff Nowak (@Jeff_Nowak) July 30, 2025

Special Teams Battle

Second-year kicker Charlie Smyth has fallen behind heavily in the kicker battle. The Irish kicker had only made 5/10 of his field goal attempts, falling way behind starting kicker Blake Grupe, who is 14/15. Despite the struggles, Smyth earned the chance to kick again for the Saints on Wednesday, finishing 4/5 with one miss from 49 yards out. Smyth is now 9/15 over three kicking sessions.

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