After a couple of close calls for the New Orleans Saints Sunday night, one substantial injury took center stage for Louisiana sports fans. Former Tulane offensive lineman Sincere Haynesworth went down with a scary-looking injury during the third quarter of the team’s exhibition game with the San Francisco 49ers.
After being able to get up and walk off, he was eventually carted off the field. He was able to walk to the cart before being taken to the locker room. Per Saints On SI’s John Hendrix, the initial diagnosis is an MCL sprain.
That would be an improvement from the worst that would otherwise be assumed with an injury of that nature for an offensive lineman.
Haynesworth will still likely miss time, but if this diagnosis folds true after more imaging, it is a better situation than initially expected.
The Tulane alum joined the Saints as an undrafted free agent this offseason. He has moved all along the offensive line for the team throughout training camp and has proven to be valuable depth along the way. Haynesworth looked to be well on his way to a practice squad spot. It remains to be seen how this injury will impact that outlook.
The team’s offensive line has been a hot topic so far this offseason. Any and all depth will be of use to the Saints throughout the 2024 season. Ideally, Haynesworth makes it back to the team as soon as he can where he may be able to claim a later practice squad spot. His injury will be further updated during head coach Dennis Allen’s post-game press conference as well as in the coming days.
