This is tough. The New Orleans Saints initially said starting right tackle Ryan Ramczyk was questionable to return during Sunday’s game with the Philadelphia Eagles after suffering a hip injury early in the first quarter, but they later downgraded his status with news that he would not reenter.
That’s a big loss. Ramczyk has been their steadiest lineman this season, and the Saints were already missing two starters up front — right guard Cesar Ruiz and left guard Andrus Peat were both preemptively ruled out with injuries, putting backups Calvin Throckmorton and Josh Andrews into the lineup. Second-year pro Landon Young stepped in for Ramczyk at right tackle. Erik McCoy remains in place at center with James Hurst at left tackle.
It’s odd to have not seen more of Trevor Penning in this game. The Saints were getting pushed around in the trenches with Andy Dalton taking six sacks midway through the fourth quarter, and the rookie first-round pick has progressed really well in recent weeks. He maybe shouldn’t be starting over Hurst outright, but in light of these injuries having Penning at that spot with Hurst at left guard (where he’s started extensively in the NFL) might have been a better move. Hopefully the Saints can hold onto their lead in spite of the protection issues.
