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New Orleans Saints 53-man roster projection: A healthy roster has playoff promise

New Orleans Saints quarterback Jameis Winston sported a knee brace throughout OTAs and minicamp as he continues to rehab from a torn left ACL. Stephen Lew/USA TODAY Sports

METAIRIE, La. -- Unlike last year, the New Orleans Saints won't be holding a quarterback competition in training camp ahead of their season opener Sept. 11 on the road against the Atlanta Falcons.

The hierarchy is set with Jameis Winston as the starter, Andy Dalton as the backup and Taysom Hill now technically listed as a tight end (though he should play his usual array of six or seven positions on offense and special teams).

Instead, the biggest roster drama will come from the injury report. Winston, Hill, receiver Michael Thomas, safety Marcus Maye and defensive ends Marcus Davenport and Payton Turner ended OTAs and minicamp in various stages of injury recoveries.

If all are back by early August, this should be a playoff-caliber roster.

Here's a look at the projection of the 53-man roster:


QUARTERBACK (3): Jameis Winston, Andy Dalton, Ian Book