McCoy remains the Saints’ center anchor, with Fortner providing depth behind him. His health and performance are central to the line’s stability as the Saints navigate injuries and rotation changes.

McCoy is the veteran anchor Penning leaned on during his guard transition, providing interior center mentorship that’s accelerated the rookie’s adjustment. His presence is a stabilizing force for the Saints’ interior line and a potential accelerant to Penning’s return timeline and performance if he stays healthy.

McCoy’s injury backdrop drives the Saints’ depth moves, elevating the importance of Panasiuk’s test and the group workout with veterans. His absence creates urgency to stabilize the interior line and protect the quarterback, shaping how the Saints approach preseason reps and roster decisions.

McCoy sits, testing the interior line depth and opening opportunities for reserve linemen to prove their Week 1 readiness.

Erik McCoy serves as a stabilizing force at center, potentially being the top performer on a line filled with first-round picks.