Even though the New Orleans Saints narrowly fell to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 3, their early-season performance still puts them among the potential playoff contenders. However, it will be much more difficult for Derek Carr and the offense to function without one of their key offensive linemen.
Erik McCoy Center will undergo groin surgery That will sideline him for six to eight weeks, according to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo. New Orleans will take comfort in knowing the injury won’t end its season, but McCoy’s absence will leave a gaping hole in the Saints’ offensive line.
The center was injured on New Orleans’ opening drive against Philadelphia. Derek Carr was sacked just once, but he was under pressure all night. The Saints and Carr will now have to learn to live without McCoy for the foreseeable future.
Erik McCoy has been a member of the Saints since 2019, where he has started 77 games for the team. The 2023 season saw him named to the Pro Bowl for the first time in his career. Entering the 2024 campaign, McCoy had got an elite rating of 95.5 from Pro Football Focus.
In terms of sacks allowed, New Orleans ranks second in the league allowing just three. However, they were named second worst offensive line group by PFF entering the season. Sure, rankings can change and the Saints could really improve. But it will take more than a three-game window to qualify them as a solid starting unit.
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Especially now that McCoy is out. His injury comes after the Saints already lost tackle Ryan Ramczyk for the season. With a 2-1 record, New Orleans is looking to prove it’s legit. Much like Derek Carr after being ridiculed in the offseason. Those goals won’t change with McCoy sidelined. It just gets a lot harder.
The Saints will put their new offensive line to the test against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 4.
