Top takeaways from Day 3 of Saints’ training camp

From the QB1 battle to Mason Tipton, what we learned from Day 3 of training camp.

The New Orleans Saints wrapped up their third day of training camp on Friday. After two days of the offense lacking, they finally picked up on day three.

Photo by Derick E. Hingle/Getty Images

Kellen Moore

The Saints had perfect attendance again on Friday. Head coach Kellen Moore has emphasized easing his players into training camp and trying to avoid injuries. Alvin Kamara, Erik McCoy, Cameron Jordan, and other veterans were given light days. New Orleans has been using sports science-based research to help keep their players healthy and available.

Juwan Johnson was called to the podium after practice for a press conference. Johnson spoke highly of the Saints’ new head coach, but his most notable comment came when the sixth-year tight end spoke about the atmosphere in the locker room. Johnson was asked when the last time the vibes were high in the locker room, and he responded, “When we were 5-2… before Jameis got hurt. That’s when the vibes were really high.”

New Orleans is predicted to be one of the worst-performing teams in 2025, but that doesn’t matter to the team. Kellen Moore has kept his players bought in, and they’re keeping a good attitude despite the noise. Some locker room issues seemed to have plagued the Saints over the last few seasons, and it’s nice to see a team that’s ready to compete and rally behind its head coach.

QB1 Battle

Spencer Rattler

The quarterback battle is now in full swing, and it appears to be second-year quarterback Spencer Rattler’s to lose. Rattler was a perfect 10/10 on his pass attempts, marking the second time in three days he’ll go without an incompletion.

The former fifth-round pick was able to spread the ball out and find the most efficient target on the majority of his attempts. His play of the day would be a deep gain to a streaking Mason Tipton.

Photo by Derick E. Hingle/Getty Images

Jake Haener

Despite many believing the QB1 competition was between only Shough and Rattler, Kellen Moore reiterated that Jake Haener is a factor, too. Haener worked with the first team on Friday and started strong. He went perfect during 7-on-7 drills and finished the day going a solid 8/11 between both team drills and 7-on-7s. Haener was decisive during his reps and didn’t force bad plays.

The third-year quarterback spoke with the media on Thursday, acknowledging that many believe he is the long shot for the job, but he displayed professionalism and confidence in his ability to come out victorious.

Tyler Shough

Rookie quarterback Tyler Shough saw the fewest attempts on the day, ending with only four. Shough finished completing 3/4 of his attempts, and had his day cut short after a bad snap rolled on the ground before the play was called dead.

Despite not seeing a ton of action, the 2025 second-round pick would make the best throw of training camp so far, fitting the ball into a tight window to Juwan Johnson. Shough made the throw with great anticipation and put it only where Johnson could get it.

Mason Tipton Dominates

Second-year wide receiver Mason Tipton turned heads on Friday after a dominant performance. Tipton had 5 catches during 7-on-7s, including a deep ball from Spencer Rattler for a big gain.

Tipton had a big showing during last season’s training camp and is continuing to pick up where he left off.

Special Teams Battles

Blake Grupe was called back up to kick on Friday, finishing the day 4/5. Grupe’s miss could be blamed on heavy rainfall, but the circumstances were difficult with it being from the left hash 49 yards out.

Despite the miss, Grupe’s makes were still impressive, bringing his total through training camp to 9/10. Second-year kicker Charlie Smyth was brought in to challenge Grupe, but struggled on Thursday’s practice, going 2/5.

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