The health of the New Orleans Saints offensive line could determine the success or failure of the team. The O-line unit overall isn’t as dominant as it was in the past due to Terron Armstead and Andrus Peat leaving and an injury to Ryan Ramczyk. But they have a few talented players and one up-and-comer.
The offensive line had a solid start to their first two games, and they even rose in PFF’s Week 3 offensive line rankings, jumping from 23rd to 15th. Unfortunately, they didn’t play well in their 12-15 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 3, allowing 12 pressures, nine hurries, two hits, and one sack (PFF). To make matters worse, their best offensive lineman suffered an injury.
The New Orleans Saints Pro Bowler exited the first quarter with an injury
Pro Bowl center Erik McCoy suffered an apparent groin injury on the third snap of their first drive after Alvin Kamara rushed for an eight-yard gain on 3rd & 1. McCoy limped off the field and entered the medical tent for further examination. He exited the tent with a brace on his left knee and walked to the locker room. He did not return for the rest of the game as the Saints ruled him out.
He will miss an extended period
According to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, Erik McCoy’s groin injury will likely require surgery, and he will miss around six to eight weeks, making him a possible injured reserve candidate. Although he will miss an extended period, he’s not expected to miss the rest of 2024. The Saints will not have their best offensive lineman for the time being, which is never a good sign.
#Saints Pro Bowl C Erik McCoy’s groin injury is expected to require surgery that would sideline him about 6-8 weeks, sources say. A significant blow to Klint Kubiak’s offense, though it’s at least not a season-ending situation. pic.twitter.com/9bGyBxti8j
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) September 24, 2024
Who replaces him at center?
Lucas Patrick will take over for Erik McCoy at center. When McCoy left the game, he moved from LG to C for their final 53 snaps and inserted Oli Udoh at LG. Patrick has plenty of starting experience at center.
As far as left guard is concerned, it’s unclear who starts at left guard. Although Udoh filled in, the Saints could roll with Nick Saldiveri or Landon Young. Both players have battled injuries, as Saldiveri battled a calf injury since the last week of July, and Young has battled a foot injury.
