Saints starting right guard Cesar Ruiz has been ruled out for Sunday’s international clash against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Stade de France, citing a knee injury sustained during last week’s contest against the New York Giants. The absence of Ruiz, a cornerstone of New Orleans’ offensive line, forces the team to rely on rookie Jeremiah Wright, who replaced him in the previous game. This development adds significant uncertainty to the Saints’ offensive strategy as they attempt to maintain consistency in a high-profile overseas fixture.
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The injury report extends beyond the offensive line, with New Orleans listing several other players as inactive for the transatlantic trip. Quarterback Zach Wilson, the team’s third-string signal-caller, is joined by safety Mike Reid, tight end Treyton Welch, defensive linemen Nathan Shepherd and John Ridgeway III, and edge rusher Tyree Wilson. These absences suggest a broader roster management decision or lingering physical concerns, potentially impacting the depth chart in critical areas of the field during this crucial stretch of the regular season.
Conversely, the Pittsburgh Steelers bring a notable boost to their secondary with the activation of safety DeShon Elliott, who is set to make his season debut after a long-term knee injury. Elliott, a full participant in practice this week, was moved from injured reserve on Saturday, marking his return exactly one year after suffering a season-ending knee injury in Week 8 against the Green Bay Packers. While the Steelers will be without cornerback Brandin Echols (hamstring) and wide receiver Ben Skowronek (calf), the return of the veteran safety provides a crucial defensive anchor for the team’s international outing.
Source: Yahoo Sports
