Saints' offensive line takes a huge hit with Erik McCoy going down with an injury

The New Orleans Saints offense has hit their first major bump in the road, as starting center Erik McCoy went down with an injury against the Philadelphia Eagles. During the first series of the game, McCoy was on the ground reaching towards his lower body following a run play.

The veteran lineman was eventually helped to the sideline where he stopped at the injury tent, before ultimately making his way back to the locker room. Sideline reporter Pam Oliver noted McCoy was laboring in his walk, and she said he is dealing with a groin injury, and New Orleans initially listed his status as questionable to return. However, he has since been downgraded to out.

Erik McCoy sustains groin injury against Eagles

With McCoy out of the game, New Orleans moved Lucas Patrick from left guard to center, and put reserve lineman Oli Udoh in the game at left guard. As everyone waits to see if McCoy returns, this could be a huge test for the Saints offensive line.

The starting unit entered the season with a lot of concerns, and while the first group put those concerns to rest, the depth of the offensive line is still a big question mark. This unfortunate situation could reveal something, good or bad, about New Orleans’ depth.

McCoy has been with the Saints since the team selected him in the second round of the 2019 Draft, and he has been starting at center since he was a rookie. He’s also been pretty durable, playing in 76 games since coming to New Orleans. He’s been elite as well, going to the Pro Bowl last season.

He was one of two starting offensive linemen who returned for New Orleans this year, and as a veteran center, he’s the anchor for the offensive line. Saints will have to work hard to overcome his absence.

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