Saints Face Offensive Line Injuries Entering Week 10

Finally, coming out of the bye, the New Orleans Saints' injury issues were getting better, and the team was set to get some very important returns. WR Jordyn Tyson made his first career start, and LT Kelvin Banks Jr. returned against the Cleveland Browns. Both players made massive impacts on the Saints offense and were an important reason why the Saints were able to win that game. New Orleans is also soon getting RB Travis Etienne back, completing the offense and making it fully healthy for the first time this season. Well, until recently.

Just when pieces were on their way back, the Saints have lost their starting right tackle and center.  Taliese Fuaga popped onto the injury report this week and has been unable to practice since. Being out of Friday’s practice meant he was likely going to miss Sunday’s important game against the Carolina Panthers, and that's exactly what ended up happening. Then, for McCoy, he was injured near the end of the Browns game. We knew right away that he would be out for a good amount of time. The Saints also ruled out CJ Donaldson and Christen Miller. 

The offensive line has had a number of issues throughout this season, including some injuries, but this is the worst it's been. Cesar Ruiz will fill in at center, Jeremiah Wright at guard, and likely Asim Richards at RT. Some movements across the offensive line could actually bring some success if it works out, but it’s more likely mistakes will arise that really hurt the Saints' offense. 

First, Tyler Shough will have to deal with a new player snapping the ball to him, which is an issue with his broken hand; the run game could end up struggling even when playing against a bad run defense, and the pass protection will likely take a step back. Even when this matchup against the Panthers is actually in the Saints' favor, these new injuries could change that. 

The good news is we will finally get some answers about the future. Ruiz is out of contract soon, and so is McCoy. With the veteran center’s injuries, the Saints will need to figure out a plan for his replacement, and Ruiz could be that if he does well. Before the NFL, Ruiz only played center in his career, so that’s the position he us is more of a natural at. Then, at RG, we get to see more Wright snaps, which could result in him proving he should be the starter next season.