The 2-1 New Orleans Saints will travel to Atlanta for a crucial NFC South showdown against the 1-2 Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. While fans are focused on the team’s fourth regular-season game of 2024, the Saints have been busy reshuffling their offensive line, making several moves that could significantly impact their performance on Sunday.
Erik McCoy Placed on Injured Reserve
The biggest news from the Saints’ camp is the loss of Pro Bowl center Erik McCoy, who was placed on injured reserve after suffering a groin injury in last week’s narrow 15-12 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. McCoy was hurt on just the third snap of the game and is set to undergo surgery, which will sideline him for six to eight weeks. His absence leaves a massive void on the Saints’ offensive line, forcing the team to act swiftly.
Lucas Patrick Set to Step In at Center
In response to McCoy’s injury, the Saints are likely to promote Lucas Patrick to the starting center role. While no official announcement has been made, Patrick is the front-runner to fill the gap. The veteran lineman has experience at center and guard, providing some much-needed versatility as the Saints work through this unexpected challenge.
Shane Lemieux Promoted to Active Roster
OL Shane Lemieux got signed to the active roster.
— Nick Underhill (@nick_underhill) September 25, 2024
To further reinforce the offensive line, the Saints promoted interior lineman Shane Lemieux from the practice squad to the active roster. Lemieux, who boasts 12 career starts, competed for a backup role during training camp but was ultimately signed to the practice squad after missing the final 53-man cut. With McCoy’s injury and the uncertainty surrounding starting guard Cesar Ruiz’s availability, Lemieux is expected to provide depth and could potentially see action at guard or center.
Fan Reactions: Concerns and Optimism
The Saints’ roster moves have sparked plenty of conversation among fans, with some voicing concerns about the depth and readiness of the offensive line.
One fan, @twittmanola, expressed frustration, tweeting, “How many O-linemen are we going to never play that actually deserve to play??” Another fan, @Saints2death, praised Lemieux’s fundamentals from preseason, noting, “I liked Lemieux a lot this preseason. To me, he looked a little better at the fundamentals than some of the guys physically better than him.”
We traded up in the 4th to draft Saldveri, time to see what he can do, no way Udoh should of came in before him
— Zay (@eeezy0_) September 25, 2024
If I’m the Saints I’m starting Shane Lemieux at center and keeping Lucus Patrick at LG.
— Vaxxon Hayes (@shawnfromnola) September 24, 2024
As the Saints prepare for their divisional clash, these roster changes will be under the microscope, especially in a game where the offensive line will need to protect quarterback Derek Carr against a strong Falcons pass rush.
What to Expect Against the Falcons
New Orleans enters this game looking to maintain momentum after a strong start to the season. However, the offensive line’s health will be crucial as they face the Falcons in a heated divisional matchup. Shane Lemieux’s promotion and Lucas Patrick’s likely move to center could be key factors in determining the Saints’ ability to control the line of scrimmage.
With the NFC South wide open, this game holds significant weight for both teams. Saints fans will hope that their revamped offensive line can step up and help guide the team to victory in Atlanta.
