New Orleans Saints guard Andrus Peat carted off the field; out for game

New Orleans Saints guard Andrus Peat was carted off the field against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday Night Football and is out the rest of the game. Peat was the starting option at the position and his absence has opened the way for first-round draft pick Cesar Ruiz to take the field. It also means Nick Easton will maintain a larger role.

Peat is a polarizing figure on the team to many fans. His performances and his health issues have led to criticism, but he still remained one of the best options on the free agent market. Peat was signed to a new 5 year, $57.5 million deal this past offseason. He was penciled in to be a mainstay on the offensive line. Now, it appears he could be looking at some time loss depending on the severity of his apparent leg injury.

Ruiz will get an extended look at the position and will be thrust into a role of responsibility. Despite anyone’s thoughts on Peat, his veteran presence and knowledge of the system made him a valuable asset to the line. This injury will be one that could potentially have rippling effects across the offense. While Ruiz was also expected to play, Easton was never supposed to be more than a rotational player. Now, the line could have to rely on both in the near future.