New Orleans Saints center Erik McCoy appears on track to play on Sunday when the Saints host the Cleveland Browns. Saints News Network’s John Hendrix reported that coach Darren Rizzi said McCoy is “ready to go” pending some roster management by the team.

In the sixth year of life with SanctifyMcCoy was selected in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft by Texas A&M. Predominantly a guard in college, McCoy has been the starting center for New Orleans since the first game of his rookie year.

McCoy, 27, went down on the third play of a Week 3 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles with a groin injury. The injury led to surgery, which kept McCoy on injured reserve for the past six weeks.

New Orleans has been hit extremely hard by injuries in 2024. Especially on the offensive end. Starters or major contributors McCoy, Derek Carr, Rashid Shaheed, Chris Olave, Taysom Hill, Cesar Ruiz and Lucas Patrick all missed significant time. Key backups like Bub Means, Kendre Miller, Jamaal Williams, Nick Saldiveri, Shane Lemieux and Cedrick Wilson were also out for large stretches.

Few absences other than the combination of Olave and Shaheed have crippled the Saints more than McCoy. A Pro Bowl alternate last season, McCoy is one of the most consistent centers in the NFL. Without him, the Saints lacked their leader and most consistent blocker up front. The difference was notable as the defense relentlessly pressured the interior of the New Orleans offense.

This isn’t the first time there’s been a massive drop in the Saints offense without McCoy. He was a durable player and started every contest last season. However, he was suspended for four games and most of a fifth in 2022, along with five outings in 2021.

McCoy’s absence in 2022 had a similar effect to being ruled out this year. Here’s how the Saints fared without their underrated center in each of those seasons.

WITH Erik McCoy (2 games)

• 185 rushing yards per game
• 4.9 average per rush
• 2 sacks/2 QB hits
• 45.5 points per game
• 2-0 record

WITHOUT Erik McCoy (8 games)*

• 106.8 rushing yards/game
• 4.1 average per rush
• 20 sacks/51 QB hits
• 17 points/game
• 1-7 registration

(* = this takes into account McCoy’s Week 3 outing against Philadelphia when he only played three snaps)

WITH Erik McCoy (12 games)

• 140.1 rushing yards/game
• 4.7 average per rush
• 25 bags
• 22 points/game
• 6-6 record

WITHOUT Erik McCoy (5 games)*

• 58.8 rushing yards/game
• 2.9 average per rush
• 13 bags
• 13.2 points/game
• 1-4 registration

(* = this counts a Week 9 loss to Baltimore when McCoy only played 18 snaps)

CU McCoy (14 games)

• 147 rushing yards/game
• 4.7 average per rush
• 27 bags (1.93)
• 25.4 points/game
• 8-6 record

WITHOUT McCoy (13 games)

• 88.3 rushing yards/game
• 3.7 average per rush
• 33 bags (2.54)
• 15.5 points/game
• 2-11 record

There are certainly other factors that contribute to the Saints’ win/loss record and their overall offensive performance with and without Erik McCoy. There’s also a pretty clear correlation to how well the offense does when McCoy is in the lineup compared to when he’s not.

Erik McCoy’s return may not be enough to save New Orleans’ season. However, his presence in the lineup clearly makes the difference.

McCoy’s overall blocking skills, recognition of opposing defenses, great awareness to switch and pick up double teams, ability to get into space as a lead blocker and interior pass protection skills have been sorely missed in the New Orleans offense.