The New Orleans Saints offensive line took a hit as second-year offensive lineman Nick Saldiveri left Monday’s training camp practice early after the first day in pads. It’s a disappointing turn for the Old Dominion product, who has been projected to start at left guard after spending his rookie year on the bench.
This injury comes after Saldiveri recovered from a groin injury that he suffered in June. The 23-year-old was also placed on injured reserve this past season with an arm injury that required surgery.
Head coach Dennis Allen was short on details after practice, offering a one-word response when asked about Saldiveri’s early departure: “Calf.” This isn’t the first calf injury Saldiveri has dealt with, though it’s unclear whether it’s the same leg or even the same issue that sidelined him during OTAs last offseason.
If this injury is serious, it could be a big blow for New Orleans. After the departure of Andrus Peat, Saldiveri was in line for a starting role this season. The Saints’ offensive line is already a shaky unit, and having your starting guard suffer multiple injuries is troubling.
There isn’t much information out right now on how serious this calf injury could be. New Orleans just has to hope for the best moving forward. Veteran lineman Lucas Patrick has been competing with Saldiveri at left guard while also taking the second-team snaps at center, so he’s a clear fill-in if Saldiveri has to miss time this summer.
