Guard Lucas Patrick not seen at Saints practice

By Ross Jackson

METAIRIE, La. — The offensive line for the New Orleans Saints continues to battle attrition. After one game started by offensive lineman Shane Lemieux at center, who performed well in the role, he was not seen for the second consecutive practice. Compounding the issue, the team’s starting left guard Lucas Patrick was not participating either. That’s another potential big blow for the Saints’ front as Patrick has consistently been one of their best offensive linemen.

Here is the rest of the attendance from the portion of Friday’s practice open to the media:

Not Seen:

TE Taysom Hill (Ribs)

WR A.T. Perry (Waived)

OL Cesar Ruiz (Knee)

OL Shane Lemieux (Ankle)

DE Payton Turner (Knee)

Left Early:

OL Lucas Patrick (Not in uniform)

Observing:

LB Willie Gay Jr.

Perry was waived as reported by NewOrleans.Football’s Nick Underhill. We published thoughts on why that decision was made based on informed conversations. In his place may have been added a new offensive lineman for now, who was donning No. 61 during Thursday’s practice. That player is former New York Jets practice squad lineman Connor McGovern. He was one of the linemen we listed as a possible option to help out at center because of his previous overlap with Saints offensive line coach John Benton following starter Erik McCoy’s injury.