Breaking news: Saints Sign OL Chris Reed to Practice Squad After Injuries to Talented Star
Saints Sign OL Chris Reed to Practice Squad After Injuries to McCoy and Ruiz
The New Orleans Saints have signed veteran offensive lineman Chris Reed to their practice squad after learning that starting center Erik McCoy is expected to miss 6-8 weeks following groin surgery[1][3][7]. The Saints also lost starting guard Cesar Ruiz to a knee injury in their recent game against the Philadelphia Eagles[1].
Reed, 32, is an experienced interior offensive lineman who can play all three positions – center, guard, and tackle[3]. He originally signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars as an undrafted free agent out of Minnesota State-Mankato in 2015[5][7]. After spending his rookie season on the practice squad, Reed went on to start 7 games and appear in 25 contests for the Jaguars over the next three years[7].
Reed has since had stints with the Miami Dolphins, Carolina Panthers, Indianapolis Colts, Minnesota Vikings, and Houston Texans[7]. He started 14 games for the Panthers in 2020 and 6 games for the Colts in 2021[7].
The Saints worked out Reed and four other offensive linemen on Tuesday in an effort to bolster their depth after the injuries to McCoy and Ruiz[1][4][6]. New Orleans also signed guard Shane Lemieux from their practice squad[2].
With McCoy sidelined, left guard Lucas Patrick is expected to take over at center, while Oli Udoh, Nick Saldiveri, or Landon Young could start at guard[1]. The Saints are hoping Reed can provide valuable depth and experience to their offensive line as they prepare to face the Atlanta Falcons this Sunday[1][3].
