The Saints centre, who sustained a groin injury in Sunday’s 15-12 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, will require surgery and miss the next six to eight weeks, according to a person with knowledge of the matter.
The injury is a major setback for the Saints offensive line, which had many uncertainties going into the season. Despite playing effectively in the first two games, the unit found it difficult to handle the Eagles, particularly after McCoy was injured three plays into the game.
McCoy, the Saints’ top offensive lineman, was selected in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft. He has started 77 games in his career and was selected to the Pro Bowl for the first time last season. After missing four games due to a calf injury in 2022, this is his first serious injury.
The Saints benched McCoy in favour of veteran Lucas Patrick, and they will probably rely on him in McCoy’s absence. Patrick, who was starting at left guard for the Saints, has plenty of experience at centre, as the eight-year pro played the position for the Chicago Bears last season and also has done it for the Green Bay Packers.
Dennis Allen, the coach, stated on Monday that Patrick filled in for McCoy and did a “nice job.” In 28 pass-blocking snaps, Patrick did not permit pressure, according to Pro Football Focus.
What the Saints do at left guard moving forward will be the more pressing question. Patrick was moved to centre, where seasoned player Oli Udoh was placed. However, swingman Landon Young had been utilised in Patrick’s place after the latter missed a portion of the team’s season opening due to a toe injury. Young only took one snap in the game against the Eagles, but his foot issue kept him out of practice the whole week before.