Saints lose another important starter
The hits keep coming for the New Orleans Saints when it comes to injuries. Their offensive line is the latest unit to take a hit. The Saints just announced that they are placing center/guard Cesar Ruiz on injured reserve. He will miss at least four games. That being said, the Saints may only play three […]
The hits keep coming for the New Orleans Saints when it comes to injuries. Their offensive line is the latest unit to take a hit.
The Saints just announced that they are placing center/guard Cesar Ruiz on injured reserve.
He will miss at least four games. That being said, the Saints may only play three more games. That's all that is left for the regular season.
The loss is a big one for the remainder of the regular season, though.
Ruiz has been the most consistently health piece on the offensive line over the last two years.
He's had inconsistencies in his play, but this season had been his best so far. His pass protection has grown over the past two seasons, and Ruiz has gotten much more comfortable to the speed of the NFL.
It is a tough blow for both he and the Saints.
For the Saints, their replacement options are minimal as of right now.
Ruiz played some center when normal starter Erik McCoy missed time with an injury. Since McCoy returned, Ruiz has been back at guard. He's best there.
At guard, the Saints will look to Calvin Throckmorton to join the starting lineup once again. Throckmorton filled in for Andrus Peat while he was injured earlier this season.
Lewis Kidd or Landon Young could see time as well. They are depth as of now, though.
Notice a pattern?
It's clear that injuries have ravaged the Saints' offensive line all season long. They'll need Throckmorton and co. to step up for them in an even larger way now.
Featured image via USA TODAY-Sports
