By Ross Jackson
NEW ORLEANS — It is a big hit to any offense to lose their starting center and the New Orleans Saints are now having to navigate that tough reality. Erik McCoy went down with a groin injury during the team’s Week 3 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. He is now expected to undergo surgery for the injury and miss 6-8 weeks. McCoy is a tough player and will certainly push for an early return, but no matter what, the Saints will have to manage a key loss for their offense.
The Saints have current roster options to replace McCoy, but they will likely still have to go to the player market to add depth.
What is likely to happen is that the team will move either starting guard, Lucas Patrick or Cesar Ruiz, to McCoy’s spot. Then either veteran linemen Landon Young or Oli Udoh or second-year draft pick Nick Saldiveri will move the vacated guard spot. The team could then elevate one of their practice squad members to the active roster to fill the open spot. A versatile and veteran player like lineman Shane Limieux would make a lot of sense.
However, undrafted free agent offensive lineman Kyle Hergel was very impressive throughout camp. He would garner consideration as well.
After that practice squad player is signed to the active roster, there would be an empty spot on that 16-man roster where the team could then add a free agent or player by other means. NFL teams are only allowed to have six veteran practice squad members. Therefore who they elevate to their 53-man roster could dictate which route they go relative to NFL experience.
Any player added to the practice squad could then be given time to learn the team’s system and perhaps even move up to the active roster at a later time. But starting there would make a lot of sense. Here are three players that New Orleans should consider, whether adding to the practice squad or straight to the active roster.
Center Mason Cole
The Saints tend to be fans of Big 10 offensive lineman and Cole checks the box. The former Michigan Wolverine also spent the 2021 season with offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak in Minnesota. The two are familiar with one another. Kubiak’s system was different with the Vikings than it is with the Saints, but with time the familiarity should help to support the learning curve.
Cole spent that last two seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, taking over 1,000 snaps at center (2,249 in total). In that time he allowed 44 total pressures which include four sacks and 10 hits on the quarterback, per Pro Football Focus (PFF). Compare that to 38 total pressures, five sacks and four quarterback hits surrendered by McCoy in his last 2,071 snaps played.
The 6-foot-4, 298-pound Cole could be a good addition to the active roster or practice squad, if a veteran spot is opened up.
Center Brian Allen
The seven-year pro won a Super Bowl with the Los Angeles Rams, another wide zone team. He could be an option because of his familiarity with the scheme and what he may be asked to do in Kubiak’s new-look offense. Another prime option for either the active roster or practice squad, depending on how New Orleans chooses to handle things.
With the Rams, Allen consistently graded out as a more than solid run blocker, but did give up nine total sacks in 2021 and 2022 combined. But at least he did so on his way to a Super Bowl title. His 5.0 40-yard dash entering the NFL from Michigan State is a relevant bit of info as well. To operate at the top peak of what New Orleans wants to do with its run game, speed and athleticism are massively important.
Center Connor McGovern
McGovern is currently a member of the New York Jets’ practice squad, but would be an option that makes sense for New Orleans. He spent his 2021 and 2022 season working with Saints offensive line coach John Benton as a member of the New York Jets. Benton was the team’s run game coordinator as well as offensive line coach.
During those two seasons, McGovern allowed a total of nine sacks, which is less than ideal. However, his experience and familiarity with Benton make him a reasonable option. He would have to be added to the active roster if signed from another team’s practice squad.
Note: There are two Connor McGoverns in the NFL. One currently plays for the Buffalo Bills, the other is currently on the Jets practice squad.
