New Orleans Saints Guard Trai Turner Out for the Season with Torn Quadriceps
METAIRIE, La. — New Orleans Saints guard Trai Turner will miss the entire season due to a torn quadriceps, according to a source. The injury occurred during Friday’s practice, and the severity was still being determined at the time. Turner, a New Orleans native, had recently signed with the Saints and was expected to compete for a spot on the team.
Turner, a 30-year-old guard, was a third-round pick by the Carolina Panthers in 2014. He has since played for the Washington Commanders, Los Angeles Chargers, and Pittsburgh Steelers. Last season, he appeared in 16 games with 12 starts for the Commanders.
When asked about his return to New Orleans, Turner expressed gratitude for the opportunity to continue playing the game he loves. “I think it was just one of my goals to play as long as I can,” he said. “I just turned 30 and I’m still playing a kid’s game, so I’m just appreciative of the opportunity. I’m a decade in, so no complaints on my end.”
The loss of Turner is a significant blow to the Saints’ offensive line. His experience and skill set would have been valuable assets to the team. However, injuries are an unfortunate part of the game, and the Saints will now have to adjust their plans accordingly.
In other news, Saints offensive tackle Trevor Penning returned to practice on Friday after missing Thursday’s session due to a minor foot injury. Meanwhile, offensive linemen Ryan Ramczyk and Cesar Ruiz were given a planned rest day and did not participate in practice.
The Saints’ coaching staff will need to evaluate their options to fill the void left by Turner’s absence. They may choose to promote a player from within the team or explore potential signings or trades. Regardless of their decision, the loss of Turner will undoubtedly impact the team’s offensive line dynamics.
The Saints’ offensive line is crucial to the success of their offense. They are responsible for protecting the quarterback and creating running lanes for the team’s rushing attack. Losing a talented and experienced player like Turner will require the remaining linemen to step up and fill the gap.
Head coach Dennis Allen and his staff will likely spend the coming days assessing their options and making adjustments to their game plan. They will need to find a solution that allows the offense to continue operating at a high level despite the absence of Turner.
The Saints’ preseason preparations will now take on added significance as they search for a suitable replacement for Turner. The coaching staff will be closely monitoring the performance of the offensive linemen during practice and preseason games to identify potential candidates for the starting role.
While losing Turner is undoubtedly a setback, the Saints have shown resilience in the face of adversity in the past. They have a talented roster and a coaching staff known for their ability to adapt and make the most of their resources. The team will need to rely on their depth and versatility to overcome this challenge.
As the regular season approaches, the Saints will continue to fine-tune their roster and game plan. They will be looking for players who can step up and contribute in Turner’s absence. The team’s success will depend on their ability to come together as a unit and overcome this setback.
In conclusion, Trai Turner’s season-ending injury is a significant loss for the New Orleans Saints. The team will need to adjust their plans and find a suitable replacement for him on the offensive line. The coaching staff will be evaluating their options and making adjustments to ensure the team’s continued success. Despite this setback, the Saints have a talented roster and a resilient mindset that will help them overcome this challenge.