Saints’ Erik McCoy to Undergo Groin Surgery, Will Miss Time

NEW ORLEANS — Saints center Erik McCoy is set to undergo groin surgery this week, leading to his expected absence from the field for an extended period. A source confirmed the news to ESPN on Tuesday, following an initial report from the NFL Network that suggested McCoy could be sidelined for six to eight weeks. McCoy, a team captain and a 2023 Pro Bowl selection, represents a significant loss for the Saints’ offensive line.

This injury marks the second major setback for the Saints’ offensive line this season. The team started the season without All-Pro right tackle Ryan Ramczyk, who was placed on injured reserve prior to training camp due to ongoing knee issues. McCoy’s exit from the game against the Philadelphia Eagles came just three plays into the contest, which ended in a disappointing 15-12 loss for New Orleans.

Following the injury, McCoy went to the injury tent and subsequently to the locker room, ultimately unable to return to the game. This loss coincided with what turned out to be one of the Saints’ poorest offensive performances of the season, particularly in terms of rushing yards.

Quarterback Derek Carr expressed the impact of losing a player of McCoy’s caliber during a post-game interview. “You lose a guy like Erik, it hurts,” he said. “He’s a captain, he’s a leader of our football team. But football, that stuff happens all the time. It’s next man up. You’ve got to be able to pick right back up and the expectation doesn’t change.”

In McCoy’s absence, the Saints swiftly adjusted their lineup. Left guard Lucas Patrick, who joined the team this offseason as a free agent, was moved to McCoy’s position. Olisaemeka Udoh, another free agent acquisition, stepped in to fill Patrick’s original spot on the offensive line.

Head coach Dennis Allen commented on the challenges faced by the team following McCoy’s injury. “Nobody wants to see a Pro Bowl center go down. That’s a challenge and yet everybody in the NFL has to go with those challenges,” he stated on Monday. “We expect our guys to be able to go in there and perform, and I thought Lucas Patrick did a nice job filling in Erik’s spot. It was a challenge, but that wasn’t the difference in the game.”

Lucas Patrick is officially recognized as McCoy’s backup on the depth chart and brings a wealth of experience to the table, having played center for past teams including the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears.

In previous seasons, the Saints have had to adapt to injuries along the offensive line. Practice squad offensive lineman Shane Lemieux had a stint at center during the third preseason game. When McCoy experienced injuries that sidelined him for four games in 2022, the Saints promoted Josh Andrews from the practice squad. Additionally, during the onset of the 2021 season, they shifted right guard Cesar Ruiz to center while McCoy was unavailable.

The ability to seamlessly integrate other players into the offensive line will be crucial for the Saints moving forward, given the impact of injuries on their success this season. As the team rallies to adjust in light of McCoy’s impending surgery, the next man up mentality will be essential for maintaining performance and striving for victory in upcoming games.

Source: ESPN