Highlights, takeaways from Day 2 of New Orleans Saints rookie minicamp

The second day of New Orleans Saints rookie minicamp is in the books, and the final practice session has already concluded. This was a more brief minicamp than other organized team activities the Saints will hold later this offseason. Once the rookies are up to speed, we'll see practices pick up with both frequency and intensity over the summer. It's all part of the plan for getting guys ready for training camp. Here's what we learned on Saturday:

Jordyn Tyson held out with a planned rest day

Tyson, the team's first-round pick, has been dealing with a hamstring issue since the 2025 season that kept him from working out at the NFL Combine and Arizona State's pro day. He practiced fully during Friday's first practice session but the Saints chose to hold him out of Saturday's following workout. This was a planned rest day to pace him as he ramps up ahead of training camp in late July. It's frustrating to see such a highly-valued player missing practice reps this soon, but the Saints have earned some leeway after cutting down on hamstring injuries and other soft tissue ailments last season, going from 71 such injuries to just 20.

Younghoe Koo among other players not practicing

It wasn't just Tyson out of action on Saturday. The Saints gave their kickers the day off, too, having practiced kicking periods on Friday. Rookie defensive linemen Christen Miller and Zxavian Harris were also held out while recovering from injuries. Running back CJ Donaldson, a rookie free agent signed from Ohio State, was not spotted at practice per Locked on Saints host Ross Jackson. Head coach Kellen Moore noted that multiple players were assigned maintenance plans to account for minor injuries and conditioning.

Rookie draft pick Barion Brown flashes in Tyson's absence

#Saints WR Barion Brown had the highlight of the day today with a catch deep down the field down the left sideline from Braylon Braxton

Dove to catch it, was able to get up and keep running. Would have been a massive gain. Impressive speed.

— Ross Jackson (@RossJacksonNOLA) Moore also said on Friday that Brown, the former LSU Tigers returns ace, would compete on special teams but that would be his main focus. Brown followed up on that comment with a diving catch from tryout quarterback Braylon Braxton (USM) deep downfield. Moments like that are going to help Brown find his place in a crowded Saints receiving corps.