As if the Saints haven’t taken enough offensive hits this month, Terron Armstead is now out.
The New Orleans Saints are hoping to remain in the lead of the NFC South. Now, they’ll be doing so without their quarterback and left tackle.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, starting tackle Terron Armstead has tested positive for COVID-19 and will be out against the Broncos. Katherine Terrell of The Athletic first reported the positive testing and it was later confirmed by Armstead via social media that he was the player.
It will be a new look on the left side of the offense with fellow lineman Andrus Peat out with a concussion. This is following the news of Drew Brees, who left in Week 10 against the San Francisco 49ers with multiple cracked ribs and a collapsed lung. Veteran backup Taysom Hill made his first career start in a victory over the Atlanta Falcons in his place.
How dangerous is this for the Saints?
Hill survived last week against the Falcons despite failing to throw for a touchdown. Instead, he trusted his leg to rush for a team-high 49 yards and two touchdowns on the way to a 24-9 victory. Hill also passed for 223 yards for the afternoon.
Based on the team’s depth chart, it’s looking as if James Hurst will be getting the call at left tackle while veteran Nick Easton will start at left guard in place of Peat. Easton has been a quality depth piece in the bayou, taking snaps this season at both guard positions. Hurst, who joined the team this offseason, is better known for his time playing left guard with the Baltimore Ravens rather than left tackle.
Last week in Mile High, the Denver Broncos forced Brian Flores to bench Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa due to his struggles. The rookie finished 13-of-20 with 83 yards and a score but regressed due to the altitude and cold weather. Could Hill be in for a similar situation?
Without a prime protector, Sean Payton may need to have a game plan set aside for Jameis Winston. At 7-3, the Saints remain the top team in their division but could be in for a “trap game” by the end of the night.