The New Orleans Saints face a significant challenge as Pro Bowl center Erik McCoy is expected to miss 6-8 weeks due to a groin injury that will require surgery, sources report. McCoy sustained the injury during the first drive of the Saints’ 15-12 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, a game where the team’s offensive performance suffered without their star center.
#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
The Saints’ rushing attack, in particular, was affected, with the team’s average dropping from 4.9 yards per carry with McCoy to 3.1 yards without him. In addition to his blocking duties, McCoy had also been responsible for pre-snap adjustments, a role now handed back to quarterback Derek Carr. McCoy’s return is anticipated between Week 10 against the Atlanta Falcons and Week 13 against the Los Angeles Rams, depending on his recovery process.
In an effort to address McCoy’s absence, the Saints held tryouts with several free agents, including Brian Allen, Gottlieb Ayedze, Andrew Coker, Chris Reed, and Josh Sills. Allen, who has extensive experience as a center with the Los Angeles Rams, was released by the Cleveland Browns this summer due to injury.
Ayedze, a versatile lineman, recently signed with the Philadelphia Eagles as an undrafted free agent, while Coker has spent time with the Las Vegas Raiders. Reed, a seasoned veteran with over 1,800 career snaps at left guard, and Sills, who can play all five offensive line spots, bring additional depth to the tryout pool. The Saints are carefully weighing their options as they prepare for life without McCoy for the next several weeks.
The team will rely on its offensive depth to fill the void left by McCoy. With Derek Carr assuming more responsibility at the line of scrimmage and potential reinforcements arriving from free agency, the Saints hope to mitigate the loss of one of their key offensive players as they push through a critical stretch of the season.
