Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
By Ross Jackson
CHICAGO – Another big injury has struck the New Orleans Saints and this is one that the team cannot afford to bear.
Starting center Erik McCoy left the field during the fourth quarter of action, holding his arm. He was evaluated in the injury tent. Shortly after, McCoy was taken back to the locker room and has not returned.
In his place, veteran lineman Luke Fortner has stepped in at center. Fortner was acquired during the preseason in a trade that swapped him and defensive tackle Khalen Saunders with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
McCoy missed the majority of the 2025 season with a groin injury, which kicked off a seven-game losing streak for New Orleans after starting 2-0.
The Saints are down multiple scores against the Bears and without their top offensive lineman, the task of closing the gap will likely be too much for the team to handle.
