The national media will frequently talk about the Tampa Bay Buccaneers injuries, which is warranted. However, Erik McCoy being out is arguably the most impactful injury. The New Orleans Saints will have to find a way to slow down Vita Vea, or else he will wreck the game.
Vea has 2.5 sacks and 17 pressures in 2025. The 30 year old veteran is still playing at a high level. The Saints are used to Vea having a major impact. Last season, he had a sack in each of their matchups.
Luke Fortner is set to start for the Saints at center. They traded for him prior to the season with the Jacksonville Jaguars for Khalen Saunders. He was a starter in Jacksonville for two years, playing over 2,450 career snaps. Although he’s not McCoy, he’s a formidable backup who can hold his own.
This situation is eerily similar to one they faced last year
This isn’t a new situation for the Saints. They had the same predicament in week three last year against the Philadelphia Eagles. McCoy went out with an injury and Jalen Carter was unstoppable. He was constantly in the backfield, blowing up their gameplan.
The Saints ended up losing that matchup 12-15 against the Eagles. It was the first domino in what proved to be a disappointing season. They can’t allow another defensive tackle to take over and continue to derail what has already been a frustrating year.
Cesar Ruiz will be tested without Erik McCoy
Cesar Ruiz has played his worst games when McCoy is unavailable. This has led fans to believe his success may be directly tethered to the pro bowl center. Ruiz will be lined up against Vea at times. It’s imperative he proves the media wrong and stays competitive with Vea, even without McCoy at center.
Cesar Ruiz and Luke Fortner have a huge test against the Buccaneers with Erik McCoy suffering a season ending injury. Vita Vea is a major threat on the interior. This game is reminiscent of the Saints matchup against the Eagles in 2024, but this time the Saints are looking for a different result.