Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
By Ross Jackson
During the New Orleans Saints’ 31-19 loss to the Buffalo Bills, the Saints saw another starting offensive lineman go down with injury. This time, right guard Cesar Ruiz.
In the same game that the team finally got starting left guard Trevor Penning back in the lineup after his injury during the preseason and that right tackle Taliese Fuaga returned, New Orleans lost another important piece to their line.
Ruiz was carted off at halftime after exiting the game with an apparent lower-leg injury.
Monday afternoon, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that the injury will keep Ruiz out 4-6 weeks with a high ankle sprain.
#Saints OL Cesar Ruiz suffered a high-ankle sprain, sources say, which is a 4-6 week injury. That makes him an IR candidate. https://t.co/WPOUTgQ5vz
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 29, 2025
It was already reported, by NewOrleans.Football’s Nick Underhill, that Ruiz would at least be out Week 5 against the New York Giants. A report that was confirmed by Saints head coach Kellen Moore during his day-after media availability.
It’s a tough blow for the Saints who were excited to get their starting five together for a game. Now, they’ll have to continue to pivot instead. New Orleans turned to undrafted free agent rookie Torricelli Simpkins III on Sunday and could look to do so again against the Giants. However, once veteran lineman Dillon Radunz recovers from the toe injury that’s sidelined him for a pair of weeks, he would make sense at the spot as well.
Radunz started 15 games last year for the Tennessee Titans at right guard.
Through Week 4, Ruiz was credited by Pro Football Focus with surrendering five pressures including two hits and no sacks on the quarterback.
