The New Orleans Saints have found a new, veteran option as they look to navigate a host of injuries across their offensive line.
The team announced Friday afternoon that they had signed center Connor McGovern off of the New York Jets practice squad and have added him to the active roster. To make space the Saints waived second-year WR A.T. Perry.
It was a move most likely spurred by a slew of injuries affecting the interior of the offensive line. Center Erik McCoy is currently on injured reserve after groin surgery and RG Cesar Ruiz, who could also play center, has not practiced since suffering a knee injury during the Week 3 loss to the Eagles. The Saints turned to converted guard Shane Lemieux at center in Week 4, but he has missed the first two days of practice with an ankle injury. Another potential option at center is Lucas Patrick, who has largely started at left guard but took over for McCoy in Week 3. Patrick was not at practice on Thursday, apparently with an injury of his own.
The Saints added veteran Chris Reed last week, but he has been absent from practice with an undisclosed injury. Teams are not required to report injuries for practice squad players. That leaves Kyle Hergel, another practice squad member, as one of the only viable centers on the roster not dealing with injury. The former Boston College standout is primarily a guard, but has been cross-trained at center and was called up for depth in Week 4.
Adding McGovern, 31, means the Saints have an option with extensive experience and 91 starts to his credit split between center at guard with the Broncos and Jets. It's unknown whether he'd be up to speed in time to contribute on Monday Night Football against the Chiefs, but he has worked previously with Saints OL coach John Benton and would be the most likely option if someone had to be thrown into the fire. McGovern was the Jets starting center in 2023 until a dislocated kneecap ended his season.
it's possible that both Lemieux and Patrick could still play. The Saints do not have to announce injury designations until Saturday.
The news for Perry is another frustrating turn in what has been an injury and inconsistency plagued two-year run since he was picked in the 6th round out of Wake Forest a year ago. Perry flashed late in his rookie season after being thrust into a bigger role due to injuries. He appeared in 10 games, flashing big-play potential and a nose for the end zone, hauling in 12 of 18 targets for 246 yards and 4 touchdowns. As of Friday morning Perry was one of just two players on the active roster, along with rookie QB Spencer Rattler, who was yet to log a snap this season as he was inactive for each of the first four games.
Perry could potentially be added to the practice squad if he clears waivers.
The Saints face the Chiefs on Monday Night Football, looking to correct a skid after back-to-back close losses. Catch all the action on WWL and Audacy.
