Saints center Erik McCoy injured in overtime win over Browns

Center Erik McCoy of the New Orleans Saints left Sunday's 23-22 overtime win over the Cleveland Browns with a reported biceps injury. McCoy was likely injured during the Saints next-to-last drive of regulation. He was not in the lineup for either of the team's final two drives, a 55-yard touchdown march to take the lead late in the fourth quarter and a 74-yard touchdown drive in overtime that proved to be the winning score. McCoy was listed as questionable to return, but obviously did not. Saints coach Kellen Moore said after the game that ''We'll gather more information and they'll do all the testing tomorrow (Monday). We'll see what it is.'' William Sherman took McCoy's spot at center during the final two scoring drives. Sherman was also used as an extra offensive lineman throughout the day against the Browns, playing a total of 25 offensive snaps. Saints quarterback Tyler Shough was comfortable about the transition from McCoy to Sherman at center, saying after the game: ''It was clean, man. We practiced that a lot, being able to get snaps with him throughout the week. It just shows his preparation, shows who he is. He was unfazed and came in right away. … I was really proud of him and the entire O-line.” Injuries have plagued McCoy for the last few seasons. A biceps injury ended his 2025 season after just seven games. Groin injuries also limited McCoy to only seven games during the 2024 season. This season, McCoy had started the first eight contests and had played all but two offensive snaps before his fourth quarter injury against the Browns. More updates will be available on Erik McCoy as he is evaluated early this week. If McCoy is to miss time, William Sherman is the most likely replacement at center. Another option could be to slide right guard Cesar Ruiz to center and plug either Sherman or rookie fourth-round pick Jeremiah Wright in at right guard. The 3-5 Saints will host the 3-5 Carolina Panthers for first place in the NFC South this coming Sunday in the Superdome.