The New Orleans Saints designated elite Pro Bowl center Erik McCoy (groin) for return from injured reserve last week. McCoy practiced on Thursday and Friday that week, but ultimately, the Saints decided to sit him for one more game. The team would upset the Atlanta Falcons in Week 10, Darren Rizzi’s first game as the interim head coach.
The Saints made a surprising roster move regarding the offensive line earlier this week, indicating McCoy’s return is imminent.
The New Orleans Saints suddenly waived their backup center
In a very surprising roster transaction, the Saints waived Connor McGovern on Monday. After signing him in early October, McGovern started the last five games at center. He did not clear waivers, and the New York Jets claimed him on Tuesday before the waiver wire ended, reuniting with his former team.
All the Saints had to do was activate their elite center on Saturday.
Did they activate him in time?
Erik McCoy practiced on Wednesday and Thursday as a limited participant and upgraded to a full participant on Friday. The New Orleans Saints released the week’s final injury report on Friday and listed him as questionable, and all they had to do was activate him. On X, the Saints announced they have activated him off injured reserve. He will return to the starting lineup after missing their previous seven and going 1-6 without him.
Erik McCoy Activated From Injured Reserve
Roster Moves ⬇️#Saints | @Shift4 https://t.co/tOensLsgbN
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) November 16, 2024
The impact of his return
Having Erik McCoy back in the starting lineup will provide a massive boost for their offense and offensive line. McCoy will help provide more holes for Alvin Kamara in the running game, giving Derek Carr more time to throw in the passing game, and making sure the offensive line is on the same page. The Saints will have a difficult matchup against the Browns defense who rank in the top 15 in rushing defense and pass rush.
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