NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana (TXAN 24) – Saints center and team captain Erik McCoy, who had a standout performance against the Dallas Cowboys last week, will undergo surgery for a groin injury, sources confirmed Tuesday. McCoy, a 2023 Pro Bowl selection, is expected to miss six to eight weeks. The report was initially shared by the NFL Network.
This setback marks another blow for the Saints’ offensive line this season, following the absence of All-Pro right tackle Ryan Ramczyk, who was placed on injured reserve before training camp due to significant knee injuries.
McCoy left the field just three snaps into Sunday’s 15-12 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. After heading to the injury tent, McCoy was taken to the locker room and did not return. The absence of the Pro Bowl center was felt throughout the game, with the Saints recording their worst offensive and rushing performances of the season.
"You lose a guy like Erik, it hurts," said Saints quarterback Derek Carr postgame. "He's a captain, he's a leader of our football team, so it hurts. But this is football. That stuff happens all the time. It's next man up, and the expectations remain the same."
In McCoy’s absence, the Saints shifted left guard Lucas Patrick, an offseason free agent acquisition, to center. Patrick took over the position after McCoy left the game, while another recent free agent addition, Olisaemeka Udoh, replaced Patrick at guard.
"Nobody wants to see a Pro Bowl center go down," said Saints head coach Dennis Allen during Monday's press conference. "But that’s the challenge every team in the NFL faces at some point. I thought Lucas Patrick did a solid job stepping into Erik's role, but ultimately, it wasn’t the reason for the loss."
Patrick, listed as McCoy's backup, brings extensive experience at center, having previously played the position for the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears. Meanwhile, the Saints’ offensive line depth includes practice squad lineman Shane Lemieux, who started during the preseason, and Josh Andrews, who filled in last season when McCoy was out.
With McCoy sidelined, the Saints will need to adapt quickly to maintain their offensive rhythm, especially following McCoy’s strong showing in the Dallas game. His absence will certainly test the team’s depth and resilience moving forward.
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