A lot has happened for the Saints since they last had their center back in action. When Erik McCoy went down, the team was 2-1 and turned heads with an explosive offense. Nearly two months later, the team fired their coach after losing every game since McCoy was placed on IR.

McCoy suffered a groin injury during the team narrow Week 3 loss to the Eagles, and while the veteran blocker is on time with his recovery, his eventual return will come after Dennis Allen it was fired amid seven-game losing streak. The Saints now face an uncertain future.

It seems, however, Derek Carr will have the center back soon. New Orleans designated McCoy for return Thursday, KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson notes. The Pro Bowl snapper has three weeks to be activated. With McCoy missing most of the season and Ryan Ramczyk put on the shelf for all this, Cesar Ruiz was the only one Drew Brees/Sean Payton-era blocker is gone for the Saints, who are coming off a loss to the Panthers. McCoy joins DB Will Harris as Saints designated for return this week.

A Pro Bowl nod last season, McCoy has been the Saints’ starter under center since the team drafted him in the second round in 2019. While he missed five games in 2021 and four in 2022, the Texas A&M alum has played in all 17 contests in New Orleans last year. However, injuries become a regular obstacle for McCoy. Calf injuries slowed him in both 2021 and ’22, so this season’s groin issue marked a change for the talented lineman.

Saints used primarily Connor McGovern instead of McCoy. The former Broncos and Jets snapper left for New Orleans signed Gang Green’s practice squad. Both of the NFL’s Connor McGoverns now play center as the Bills moved to center this offseason. The elder McGovern hasn’t been with a team in the offseason, re-signing with the Jets shortly after Week 1. Out since his rookie season in 2016, McGovern could move into a swing role soon with McCoy returning .

McCoy, 27, is linked to a five-year deal worth $60 million. Brand wise, the Saints have restructured this business twice. The contract runs through the 2027 season. The trades will be up for grabs for the Saints in 2025, but it remains a good bet that McCoy will be part of HC’s to-be-determined offense.