Marshon Lattimore left the New Orleans Saints opener with a hamstring injury. It seems to be a minor injury, but hamstrings can be tricky. It could still result in him being out for a week and missing this Sunday’s game with CeeDee Lamb and the Dallas Cowboys. In this case, who is the best option to fill in for him?
Kool-Aid McKinstry stepped up after Lattimore’s injury in Week 1. When Drew Brees, Jameis Winston and Taysom Hill were on the team. Winston filled in after a Brees injury then Hill took over as the starter in their next game. This was the plan and it could be the case here.
Alontae Taylor battled with Paulson Adebo last year for the spot opposite Lattimore. That was his natural position prior to sliding inside to the slot a year ago. Taylor performed well outside as a rookie.
Though Taylor has a track record in the pros outside at cornerback, the Saints should stick with McKinstry if Lattimore misses time. He cross-trained during the offseason in the slot but got most of his work outside due to Lattimore’s absence.
Also, Taylor is settling in at nickel. He’s been one of the best players during training camp in that position and was the star of the game defensively in Week 1.
Keeping him inside seems to work for both guys. That being said it doesn’t seem to be a clearly wrong choice here.