The New Orleans Saints watched as two of their interior offensive linemen exited Sunday’s preseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers due to injury. Both Will Clapp and Trevor Penning started the game at center and left guard, respectively.
Reports came out Monday night that Clapp’s foot injury could be serious enough to end his season and require surgery. The team is awaiting testing results, but regardless of the specifics, it seems the injury will cause the 28-year-old to miss time.
There is little known about Penning’s injury at this point, but he was carted to the locker room on Sunday after spending some time in the medical tent. With a history of ankle and foot injuries, Penning could miss some more time in 2025.
One of the best replacements could already be on the roster
After Clapp went down at the beginning of the first quarter in Sunday, undrafted free agent rookie Torricelli Simpkins III slotted in at the center position. The former South Carolina Gamecock played the rest of the contest at center, accounting for 67 of the Saints’ 69 offensive snaps.
In college, Simpkins III spent most of his time at right guard, not playing a large dose of center. The last time the 23-year-old got regular playing time at center was his junior season at North Carolina Central University back in 2023.
The adjustment didn’t take long for Simpkins III on Sunday, who held his own, allowing just one pressure in his first NFL action. He added on a highlight play, bouncing back-and-forth from assisting Kyle Hergel at left guard and Easton Kilty at right guard, throwing his body around and clearing a path for Spencer Rattler.
Although Erik McCoy all but has the starting center job secured, there may be an opening at left guard for the beginning of the regular season. Simpkins III is doing what he can to show New Orleans’ coaching staff and front office that he deserves a roster spot.
“For [Simpkins III] to hop in that quickly, and essentially play the whole game at center, your first game in the NFL, preseason football, and then you get thrown in there just like that,” head coach Kellen Moore said. “I thought his response was phenomenal. I thought he did an incredible job.”
Proven veteran free agents are still available
If the Saints want more experience filling out their depth on the interior of their offensive line, they could look to free agency to make a move. With many options with impressive resumes still available, a signing could be in the near future.
Brandon Scherff is definitely in the back half of his career at 33 years old, but he has shown he can be a reliable option throughout his 10-year career. Scherff has a first-team All-Pro nod from the 2020 season, along with five Pro Bowls.
Shaq Mason is another solid option still in free agency, starting in at least 10 games in each season across his 10-year career. The 31-year-old is a proven winner, with two Super Bowls to his name.
Cody Whitehair could be a name the Saints target as well, showcasing his versatility over his nine-year career. The 33-year-old missed time in 2024 with an ankle injury, but has shown he can be a reliable option, with a Pro Bowl back in 2018.
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