The Saints' 2022 season has dealt blow after blow on the injury front, and that continued into Week 16: Stalwart guard Cesar Ruiz has landed on injured reserve, ending his season.
It's a disappointing end to a year that saw Ruiz, a first-round pick in the 2020 draft, grow into an impressive player in his role after an up-and-down first two seasons in the NFL. He's also shown his versatility, starting multiple games at guard each of the past two seasons.
The team announced the move Tuesday afternoon, hours after he was listed on the team's injury report with a foot issue. WR Chris Olave and LB Pete Werner were also new additions to the injury report with hamstring issues.
New Orleans also announced the signing of linebacker Ty Summers off of the Jaguars practice squad, the re-signing of LB Nephi Sewell to the practice squad and the termination of the contract for LB Kenny Young.
Ruiz had been a picture of health prior to his foot issue, one of the few players who had not missed a start dating back to 2021. His consecutive starts streak will end at 31 games.
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The positive news for the Saints is that they have their health intact at the other four positions and a first-round rookie who can step in to help fill the void. One possible route could be current LT James Hurst shifting inside to guard with Trevor Penning taking over at LT. They could also opt to keep Hurst at his more natural position and elevate Calvin Throckmorton into the starting role.
One additional challenge will be figuring out that new line rotation on a short week. The Saints face off with the Browns on Saturday (Christmas eve), still retaining an outside chance to skirt into the playoffs in a down NFC South.
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