Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
By Ross Jackson
Yet another offensive line injury has struck the New Orleans Saints. This time, at right guard. Starting interior offensive lineman Cesar Ruiz is expected to be out for four to six weeks with the high ankle sprain he suffered during last weekend’s loss to the Buffalo Bills.
Ruiz was carted off at halftime in the game after appearing to have his ankle rolled up on during a play.
New Orleans possibly now has an important decision to make regarding his replacement. Will the Saints lean back on veteran experience with Dillon Radunz, if healthy? Or will they continue to turn to the impressive rookie, Torricelli Simpkins III?
Going With The Veteran
In turning to Radunz, should he recover and return to the field from his toe injury while Ruiz remains out, the Saints would see a similar level of production. Like Ruiz, the Saints offensive line lets up more pressure with Radunz off the field than with him on the field. Not to mention that Radunz started 15 games at right guard last year for the Tennessee Titans.
While Ruiz doesn’t surrender nearly as much pressure (five pressures, per Pro Football Focus) as the Saints have given up at the tackle positions so far this season (29 total), when he does give up pressure, it tends to be at either disappointing or costly times.
Radunz surrendered five pressures, all hurries, over his first two games as a starting left guard. He could be well equipped to handle the responsibilities on the right side, as well.
Developing The Rookie
Simpkins has an impressive and aggressive play style that has already made him a fan favorite when on the field. He’s a violent protector that plays through the whistle but with good and reliable control. He stood out at first at center during the preseason and has fared well taking snaps at both guard positions over the last two games.
The Saints, by average, have surrendered a higher pressure and sack rate with Simpkins on the field, but a lot of that came against the Seattle Seahawks and their very talented interior front. During the Week 4 match with the Bills, Simpkins held up as one of the better rookie offensive linemen of the week when tasked to step in for the injured Ruiz.
Will Campbell was the only rookie OL to allow 0 pressures in Week 4 🛡️ @rootinsurance pic.twitter.com/sAgl4yGEAl
— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) September 30, 2025
While Simpkins has growth left to achieve, the best way to realize it might be by keeping him on the field. That may happen no matter what thanks to Radunz’s injury. However, Simpkins could make a case to hold on to the role even after the veteran’s return with strong play and demonstrable improvement.
