New Orleans Saints Place Right Tackle Zach Strief on Injured Reserve
New Orleans Saints right tackle Zach Strief just can't seem to catch a break this season.
Sunday's matchup against the Miami Dolphins was Strief first game back after he sustained a medial collateral ligament (MCL) sprain in his left knee in the Saints' season opener against the Minnesota Vikings. Unfortunately, he didn't finish the game unscathed.
The veteran offensive tackle went down with another knee injury after Dolphins defensive end Charles Harris fell into his right knee in the fourth quarter of the game. Strief was eventually carted to the locker room and he did not return to the game.
Get Our Latest News for FREE
According to the Advocate, the Saints have placed Strief on the injured reserve list, so he will have to miss at least eight weeks of action.
"It's not easy, and he's such a valuable part of that room with his leadership and his experience, and the way he approaches his football day in and day out. While he's not on the field, his presence will be felt; he will still continue, I think, to bring leadership qualities to that room, and that's invaluable," offensive line coach Dan Roushar said.
With Strief on the shelf, the Saints will have to rely on Ryan Ramczyk once again. The rookie has already started two games at right tackle after Strief got hurt in the season opener and he has played at left tackle as well.
Since fifth-year left tackle Terron Armstead is set to make his return, the Saints will likely start Ramczyk at right tackle.
"For a rookie that has had to start both at left and right tackle, an in-game adjustment this past week, he's done an admirable job," Roushar stated, according to the Advocate.
If Armstead is still not available, the Saints may consider moving left guard Andrus Peat to left tackle and start Ramczyk at right tackle.
