The New Orleans Saints, after a strong 2-0 start, faced a setback with a Week 3 loss and multiple key injuries, leaving the team with several questions to address. Injuries have hit the Saints’ offensive line hard, with Erik McCoy heading to injured reserve and right guard Cesar Ruiz dealing with knee and ankle issues. These injuries come as New Orleans was already facing challenges with its offensive line, creating an early hurdle for the team.
In response, the Saints are making roster adjustments to reinforce their offensive line. Shane Lemieux, originally from the practice squad, has been promoted to the 53-man roster, according to ESPN’s Katherine Terrell. Meanwhile, Chris Reed is joining the team’s practice squad, coming from the Minnesota Vikings, as reported by Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.football. Although Reed spent two seasons with the Vikings, his time there did not overlap with the Saints’ offensive coordinator, Klint Kubiak. Reed has experience as a starter with both the Carolina Panthers in 2020 and the Indianapolis Colts in 2021, and he will provide valuable depth to New Orleans’ struggling offensive line.
When McCoy went down during the game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Oli Udoh stepped in, shifting Lucas Patrick from left guard to center. The Saints are likely to continue relying on Udoh’s versatility moving forward. Additionally, rookie Nick Saldiveri, a fourth-round pick from Old Dominion, could see playing time if Ruiz remains sidelined. Saldiveri had been in contention for the starting left guard role during training camp.
Shane Lemieux, once a starter for the New York Giants, has struggled with injuries throughout his career. A severe foot injury sidelined him for most of the 2021 and 2022 seasons, and a biceps injury in 2022 further hampered his return. Now with the Saints, Lemieux has an opportunity to revive his career, having played just six games over the past three seasons.
The Saints also worked out several other players on Wednesday, including Brian Allen, a former starting center for the Los Angeles Rams. Allen, who started for the Rams in Super Bowl LVI, lost his starting role due to injuries and became a salary cap casualty in the offseason. After failing to make the Browns’ roster in August, Allen could be another option for New Orleans as they rebuild their offensive line.