The New Orleans Saints’ former fourth-round pick, Nick Saldiveri, is among four players competing for the starting left guard position. Saldiveri took the early lead heading into training camp, receiving first-team reps with the first-team offense throughout spring practices, including OTAs and mandatory minicamp. All he needed to do was stay healthy.
Unfortunately, an injury has derailed his chances of starting.
The New Orleans Saints offensive lineman suffered an injury on their first day of padded practice
Nick Saldiveri exited their first day of padded practice (August 29) with an apparent calf injury. Saldiveri hasn’t practiced since and has missed the last three weeks, including their first preseason game. Given the concerns with soft-tissue injuries, the Saints would be wise not to risk playing him so he doesn’t re-injure his calf.
It’s unclear when Nick Saldiveri will return
Dennis Allen doesn’t know when Saldiveri will return to the football field and isn’t sure if he’ll play in their final two preseason games. The Saints play the 49ers Sunday night and the Titans next Sunday afternoon.
“There’s levels to soft tissue injuries. His was probably a little bit more than some.”
Dennis Allen said he doesn’t know if guard Nick Saldiveri (calf) will be able to play in the preseason at all: “There’s levels to soft tissue injuries. His was probably a little bit more than some.”
— Matthew Paras (@Matthew_Paras) August 13, 2024
He has fallen out of the starting rotation. The Saints had him as the second-stringer in their unofficial depth chart. Allen expressed concern with his injury, stating that he is one player who cannot afford to miss time.
“Missed time with guys like that is critical missed time in his development,” Allen said. “Everyday that Saldiveri misses is a day that he gets further and further behind.”
Who filled in at left guard?
Lucas Patrick has taken over as the starting left guard (for now). Patrick began training camp as the backup left guard and backup center. With the injury to Saldiveri, he has received first-team reps, is the starting left guard in their depth chart, and started in their first preseason game.
Despite receiving the most playing time at the position, this competition is far from over. Other players in the mix include Oli Udoh and Shane Lemieux.
