The Saints added Mike Panasiuk to bolster center depth after a spate of o-line injuries, testing him at practice Monday in a No. 61 jersey. Panasiuk, who earned All-XFL and All-UFL honors with St. Louis Battlehawks, shifted from defensive tackle in college to center in the pros, and has spent time with the Raiders, Panthers and Colts. New Orleans needed interior help after Erik McCoy’s backup situation soured and Will Clapp’s season-ending injury, with Nick Saldiveri out at guard and Landon Young facing left-tackle questions. Panasiuk came through a workout with veterans Cody Whitehair, Scott Quessenberry and Nick Harris as part of a broader depth evaluation.

The group at practice underscored New Orleans’ urgency to stabilize the center position as preseason injuries mount, with Panasiuk’s versatility and late-start snapping background offering a unique floor and ceiling. While not a blockbuster signing on the official wire, it signals the club’s willingness to explore unconventional paths to protect the quarterback and keep the run game functional. Fantasy angles remain speculative in the near term, but Panasiuk’s arrival could matter if injuries persist or if he shows enough snaps to become a trusted depth option.

Panasiuk’s XFL/UFL pedigree and spring-league success bring a veteran voice to a shifting interior line. His presence adds another body that can swing between spots across the line, potentially easing the burden on McCoy and Penning as the Saints sort out guard and center combinations. The Saints’ willingness to test multiple shapes of depth at a single practice suggests further roster moves could follow, particularly if Panasiuk earns any snaps this preseason.