Saints designate veteran O-lineman for return

A lot has transpired for the Saints since they last had their center in action. When Erik McCoy went down, the team was 2-1 and had turned heads with an explosive offense. Nearly two months later, the team has fired its coach after losing every game since McCoy’s IR placement.

McCoy suffered a groin injury during the team’s narrow Week 3 loss to the Eagles, and although the veteran blocker is on time with his recovery, his eventual return will take place after Dennis Allen was fired amid a seven-game losing streak. The Saints are now staring at an uncertain future.

It does appear, however, Derek Carr will have his center back soon. New Orleans designated McCoy for return Thursday, KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson notes. The Pro Bowl snapper has three weeks to be activated. 

With McCoy missing most of the season and Ryan Ramczyk shelved for all of it, Cesar Ruiz has been the only Drew Brees/Sean Payton-era blocker left for the Saints, who are coming off a loss to the Panthers. McCoy joins DB Will Harris as Saints designated for return this week.

Given a Pro Bowl nod last season, McCoy has been the Saints’ center starter since the team drafted him in the 2019 second round. While he missed five games in 2021 and four in 2022, the Texas A&M alum played in all 17 New Orleans contests last year. Though, injuries are becoming a regular hindrance for McCoy. Calf injuries slowed him in both 2021 and ’22, so this season’s groin issue marked a change for the talented lineman.

The Saints have primarily used Connor McGovern in McCoy’s place. The former Broncos and Jets snapper trekked to New Orleans upon being signed off Gang Green’s practice squad. Both the NFL’s Connor McGoverns are now playing center, as the Bills moved theirs to the pivot this offseason. 

The older McGovern was not with a team during the offseason, re-signing with the Jets shortly after Week 1. A starter since late in his 2016 rookie season, McGovern may move to a swing role soon with McCoy on the way back.

McCoy, 27, is tied to a five-year deal worth $60M. On-brand, the Saints have restructured that deal twice. The contract still runs through the 2027 season. Changes will be on tap for the Saints in 2025, but it remains a good bet McCoy will be part of the to-be-determined HC’s offense.