Saints Face Major Setback as McCoy and Miller Out for Season
The New Orleans Saints have faced a significant setback this season with the announcement that center Erik McCoy and running back Kendre Miller are out for the remainder of the year. Coach Kellen Moore confirmed the injuries during a press conference following their 26-14 loss to the Chicago Bears.
Injury Details and Impact on Team
Tests revealed that McCoy has suffered a torn biceps, while Miller has sustained a torn ACL. Both players have been pivotal to the team’s performance and their absence raises concerns for the struggling Saints, who currently have a record of 1-6.
Replacement Options
While Coach Moore did not specify who will step in for McCoy, he mentioned that guards Cesar Ruiz and Torricelli Simpkins III have experience at center. The Saints also traded for veteran center Luke Fortner from the Jacksonville Jaguars in August.
- Erik McCoy: A two-time Pro Bowl selection, has been injured during the last two seasons.
- Kendre Miller: Backing up Alvin Kamara, had a career-high of 193 rushing yards this season.
Offensive Struggles
The Saints’ offense has been underperforming, ranking 24th in total yards with an average of 297.9 yards per game and 29th in scoring with only 17.9 points per game. The loss of McCoy, known for his leadership and communication skills, could further impact the offense’s ability to improve.
Future Implications
Coach Moore emphasized the need for the remaining players to elevate their communication and teamwork in light of McCoy’s absence. Rookie Devin Neal is expected to see increased playing time in the backfield following Miller’s injury, providing him an opportunity to prove himself.
Moore expressed optimism about Miller’s future, stating, “He’s going to be better moving forward. He’ll be back and have more opportunities in the future.” The team will need to strategize rapidly, with approximately 24 hours to finalize their roster adjustments.
