Wozniak, Toner trying to remain on NFL rosters

<p>The second week of the NFL’s preseason schedule includes the Los Angeles Chargers hosting New Orleans.</p><p>Not expected to draw much interest beyond the teams’ most ardent fans, the Aug. 18 matchup could go a long way in determining the futures of offensive linemen Nate Wozniak and Cole Toner.</p><p>Wozniak, 24, a backup left tackle for the Saints, is a former Center Grove player taking part in his second NFL training camp. Roncalli product Toner, 25, is a reserve interior lineman for the Chargers playing for his fourth NFL team in as many seasons.</p><p>All teams must have their roster reduced to 53 players by Aug. 31.</p>[sc:text-divider text-divider-title="Story continues below gallery" ]<p>The 6-foot-10, 305-pound Wozniak went through the usual rookie hardships a year ago at this time, including having to sing an a cappella solo in front of teammates who in some cases were 10-15 years into their professional football careers.</p><p>“It was just you in front of everyone. I had to go last and all the good songs were taken,” he said. “I got booed. I can public speak, but, yeah, that was horrible. It did not go well for me.”</p><p>Wozniak played tight end in high school and later the University of Minnesota. He wasn’t selected in the 2018 NFL draft, but signed with New Orleans and was moved to offensive tackle. Wozniak played in preseason games against the two Los Angeles franchises (Rams and Chargers) and was cut on Sept. 1.</p><p>He signed the next day as a Saints practice player, earning a salary of $129,200. He didn’t play in a regular-season or playoff game, but was always on the sideline dressed in Saints attire, usually sweatpants and a shirt.</p><p>Wozniak stands to make a salary of $540,000 should he make the roster for the upcoming season. If not, he can again be signed to the practice squad for significantly less or be picked up by another team.</p><p>Toner, a three-year starter at Harvard who was selected by Arizona in the fifth round of the 2016 draft, played a season in the desert. The Cardinals waived him 16 months to the day after signing him to a four-year contract.</p><p>The next steps in Toner’s football career were small ones — 25 days as part of the Cincinnati Bengals’ practice squad and a four-day courtship with the New England Patriots. The latter ended shortly after Toner sustained a sprained left knee.</p><p>“It makes you realize how much inconsistency there is in the league,” Toner said. “You realize how cutthroat and how much of a business it is.”</p><p>In November 2017, Toner signed with the Chargers to be part of the practice team. He later signed a reserve/future contract and was able to play in the 2018 regular-season opener, a 38-28 home loss to division rival Kansas City.</p><p>Toner arrived at Chargers camp last month listed as a second-teamer at three positions along the offensive line – left guard behind former Indiana University player Dan Feeney, center behind Mike Pouncey and right guard behind Michael Schofield III.</p><p>He credits Chargers offensive line coach Pat Meyer with instilling a newfound confidence.</p><p>“Being here with coach Meyer has rejuvenated my career,” said Toner, who is 6-foot-6, 310 pounds. “Once you get to a new place, you’re hoping it’s a place where you can stick around. I’ve learned from coach Meyer there are a lot of ways to play the position.</p><p>“He’s really good at knowing his players and how they can play better.”</p><p>Meyer, who started coaching offensive linemen at Colorado State University in 2008 and is now in his third season with the Chargers, feels Toner’s ability to line up at center or either guard spot makes him a valued commodity.</p><p>“Cole’s biggest thing is how many positions he can play and how versatile he is. That’s key when you’re not a starter. You can’t be a one-position backup,” Meyer said.</p><p>The coach feels Toner might fit best at center because of his intelligence and natural ability to communicate with the rest of the offense.</p><p>“As a center, he’s the quarterback of the line. Cole is strong and agile enough to get to the second level of the defense, past the linemen and to the linebackers. He’s a football guy with a Harvard education, a grinder who keeps his nose down and works hard.”</p><p>Having also shed the rookie label, Wozniak felt more confident entering camp this year. He credits starting tackle Terron Armstead and former Saints lineman Jermon Bushrod for their mentorship.</p><p>“They were both huge for me. I didn’t expect that at all. I thought I was going to be on my own, but it wasn’t that way at all,” Wozniak said. “I was picking (Armstead’s) brain all the time. I would see what he would do in post-practice drills. That’s how you get good.</p><p>&quot;It all takes time. It’s all about repetitions. As a rookie you don’t know what to expect; now all of that is kind of out the window. Leaning on the older guys really helped me in terms of being a professional because more is put on you.”</p><p>Toner’s offseason included a couple trips home to Indianapolis, the most recent just before reporting to training camp.</p><p>“Once the season is over I come home and take a week or two off to see friends and family,” he said. “It’s nice to have the offseason, but of course, you’re excited for a new season. We have a shot to be really good.”</p><p>The Saints were bounced from the playoffs the past two seasons in the most heartbreaking ways possible — Stefon Diggs’ miracle catch in Minneapolis and the pass interference no-call against the Rams in last season’s NFC championship game.</p><p>Last season, the Saints and Chargers practiced together at the Costa Mesa facility prior to the exhibition game won by New Orleans, 36-7. It allowed Wozniak and Toner to meet for the first time, and the two plan to talk again in a few weeks.</p><p>Then it’s back to the NFL fringe for both players.</p>