The New Orleans Saints are dealing with a plethora of injuries entering Week 4 against the Atlanta Falcons. Their injury report is a crowded one, and they have lost one of their best offensive players for the foreseeable future.
Saints sign OL Shane Lemieux to active roster
This move comes alongside an injured reserve trip for Pro Bowl center Erik McCoy. New Orleans signed interior offensive lineman Chris Reed to their practice squad as well.
Lemieux is an option to start on the inside. He could play center this week with McCoy out. Lucas Patrick is another potential starter there, but he has spent most of his time at guard so far this season.
Oli Udoh slid in at guard when Patrick moved over to center. He could start if Patrick gets the nod at center, too.
That being said, the Saints' activeness to adjust the roster may point to their preference to keep him as a backup. Nick Saldiveri also may play a role going forward. He was active in Week 3.
As for Cesar Ruiz. he did not practice on Wednesday. The Saints guard could miss the Falcons matchup. If he does, that means New Orleans would be trotting out a completely different OL unit from 2023.
Ryan Ramczyk will not play this season due to his knee injury. Trevor Penning is starting at tackle opposite of Taliese Fuaga, a rookie.
No matter what - Lemieux is a depth piece who could be thrusted into a bigger role with injuries mounting for the black and gold.
