NEW ORLEANS — Since Week 3, the New Orleans Saints have been without one of their most important players in offense. But this week, the team is set to get him back.
On Saturday afternoon, the Saints announced that they have activated center Erik McCoy from Injured Reserve. He is expected to be available and play in Sunday’s Week 11 matchup with the Cleveland Browns.
Many areas suffered with McCoy out. Pre-snap protection identification struggled for several weeks, especially with young quarterbacks leading the way. Additionally the run game took a hit with him out as well. The Saints offensive line is nearly back to its starting lineup for the first time since Week 3. A welcome sight for the Saints and quarterback Derek Carr.
The Saints announced four additional moves in addition to McCoy’s activation:
- LB Nephi Sewell was activated from the Reserve/PUP list.
- WR/RS Jermaine Jackson has been waived.
- WR Kevin Austin Jr. was added to the active roster as a standard elevation.
- WR Dante Pettis was also a standard elevation.
Whether or not Sewell will be active on game day remains to be seen. But the determination may be made based upon starting linebacker Pete Werner’s availability. Werner did not participate in practice on Wednesday or Thursday of this week, but was present and observing. He was then elevated to limited participation on Friday. Interim Head Coach Darren Rizzi said that the team would take his game status all the way down to before the contest on Sunday.
The shuffling at wide receiver paves the way for Austin Jr. to again get some regular season action. He impressed in Week 10 with just two catches, but both gaining first downs including a conversion on third-and-14. He and Marquez Valdez-Scantling (who caught two touchdown passes last week) are likely to see a lot of action on Sunday after making an impression in the coaching staff.
It will be interesting now to see who will be relied upon for return duties. Jackson has taken over the primary responsibilities with All-Pro returner Rashid Shaheed done for the season with injury.
Pettis could be called upon in the return game. Similarly the Saints could go back to do-it-all tight end Taysom Hill, running back Jordan Mims and possibly rookie cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry should he be healthy and available to return from his hamstring injury.
