Offensive lines aren't supposed to be this thin

Good morning, happy Saturday, and welcome to another edition of the Saints Insider newsletter. 

Remember a month or so ago when the going theory was that the Saints offensive line was one of the team's weaker spots? What are we to make of it now as the injuries continue to pile up?

Another OL goes down

When the Saints took the practice field Friday, starting left guard and backup center Lucas Patrick was not on the field with them. Turns out Patrick was held out of practice with a groin injury. 

So, if you're keeping track at home: 

• The starting center, Erik McCoy, is on IR with a groin injury. 
• The starting right guard, Cesar Ruiz, missed last week's game with a knee injury and hasn't practiced this week. 
• The guy who filled in at center last week, Shane Lemieux, has not practiced this week while he deals with an ankle injury. 
• Now Patrick, the starting left guard and, potentially, starting center, may not be available against Kansas City. 

To help make up for the injury issues, the Saints signed longtime Jets starter Connor McGovern Friday. 

A surprising cut

The Saints had to let someone on the roster go to make room for McGovern, and the odd man out was second-year receiver A.T. Perry. 

The Saints waived Perry Friday, about 17 months after selecting him in the sixth round of the 2023 draft. Perry showed flashes of playmaking ability during his rookie season, but had a tough time cracking the lineup this summer and fall. He was inactive for each of the first four games this season. 

Good/bad

Columnist Jeff Duncan took a close look at the Saints four games into the season — what used to be considered the quarter pole, back when NFL seasons consisted of 16-game schedules — to identify the things that encouraged and discouraged him about the team. 

Among the good: The Saints have been excellent in some key situations, which are usually the marks of a good football team. 

Among the bad: One of the situations in which they've underperformed is late in tight games. 

Duncan came up with eight insights that you're not going to want to miss. Check out the full piece here. 

And, while you're at it, check out the latest edition of the Saints Insider podcast, where our crew previews the Saints and Chiefs matchup. 

Y'all have a great weekend! 

Cheers, 

Luke Johnson