NEW ORLEANS – Cameron Jordan has not been cleared to participate in organized team activities after a February back surgery. But the New Orleans Saints defensive end said he still considers himself “ahead of schedule” and expects to be fine in plenty of time for the 2016 season.
Jordan, who made his second Pro Bowl as an alternate last year, had a minor back surgery, which he said was to help deal with herniated discs. Jordan dealt with the back issues last season, missing some practice time but playing in every game. He finished with 10 sacks.
“We’re just being safe and playing it safe,” Jordan said Wednesday night at teammate Tim Lelito’s charity softball game. “I can’t give out a timetable for me being back 100 percent, but I do know that we’ll be well within camp, season.
“This is as expected. We set a timetable for everything to go along smoothly. And technically I think I’m ahead of schedule. So definitely in the right direction.”
The Saints began four weeks of OTA and minicamp practice sessions this week. Thursday’s session will be the first one open to the media.
The Saints are making the full-time transition to defensive coordinator Dennis Allen, who replaced Rob Ryan last November when Ryan was fired.
Jordan said Allen’s defense is similar to the one New Orleans ran when Jordan first entered the NFL in 2011 under coordinator Gregg Williams, when Allen was the secondary coach.
“That’s comforting, because this will be my fourth D-coordinator here,” said Jordan, who has played under Williams, Steve Spagnuolo, Ryan and Allen over the past five years. “And it’s cool to know that there’s still some similarities.”
Jordan (6-foot-4, 287 pounds) has also played all across the line during that span, from tackle to the “Jack” edge-rusher position. Most likely, he will play a standard defensive end position in Allen’s 4-3 base defense. But the Saints will no doubt feature his versatility at a variety of spots, as usual.
