New Orleans Saints rookie guard Jeremiah Wright suffered an apparent shoulder injury during Wednesday’s practice, causing him to make an early exit.
The Saints are undoubtedly hoping Wright's shoulder injury proves to be nothing more than a minor setback. However, his departure is noteworthy because of the role he was expected to play this season. Wright was selected in the fourth round of the recent NFL Draft out of Auburn.
His versatility and physical, technically sound blocking skills made him an ideal developmental prospect and someone who could compete for playing time while serving as insurance if injuries struck the starting lineup.
Wright's absence is magnified by the uncertainty surrounding starting right guard Cesar Ruiz. After showing flashes of being a dependable starter throughout his NFL career, Ruiz's consistency has remained an issue. Injuries have also interrupted his development in recent seasons.
The Saints have been searching for reliable depth behind Ruiz at a position where durability has already been a concern. Wright's development was expected to provide some answers, but now his absence leaves the team with more questions.
At Auburn, Wright developed a reputation as a capable blocker who could handle multiple responsibilities along the interior offensive line. His technical soundness made him an attractive prospect for the Saints, who have been looking to bolster their interior line depth.
The severity of Wright's injury has yet to be determined, but if he is forced to miss time, the Saints could lose valuable developmental reps for a rookie who was expected to push for a role throughout training camp and the preseason.
The Saints will now have to reassess their interior line depth and potentially adjust their plans for Wright's role in the team. With the start of the regular season just around the corner, the team cannot afford to have their young players sidelined with injuries.
Source: Yahoo Sports