The New Orleans Saints lost another member of their Offensive Line after left tackle Terron Armstead suffered a Torn Labrum Wednesday during minicamp -- he will undergo surgery Monday. According to NFL.com, Armstead underwent tests that confirmed a torn labrum. He will be sidelined for four to six months, his return projected for late October or December.
On his Twitter account, Armstead said he feels "heartbroken.” “No one is more frustrated than me after working so hard. I'll be back,” he tweeted. A third-round pick by New Orleans in 2013, the 25-year-old Armstead emerged as one of the Saints’ promising young players.
Last offseason, Armstead signed a five-year, $65.25 million contract extension but missed nine games in 2016 due to injury. With Armstead out, the Saints could put first-round pick Ryan Ramczyk or veteran backup Khalif Barnes into the starting lineup. They could also shift left guard Andrus Peat to tackle.
Saints veteran Max Unger could return in Week 1
The Saints already lost veteran center Max Unger, who underwent foot surgery this offseason. Unger is currently recovering but could return in Week 1. Unger suffered a Lisfranc injury in Week 13 against the Detroit Lions and missed the following week. He then played the final three games of the season despite the injury. The initial plan was to allow the injury to heal with rest, but a later MRI revealed that Unger needs surgery.
"The timeline obviously is tough, and we would've liked to have done it earlier but really had no idea," Unger told the Times-Picayune.
Unger is currently wearing a boot and walking without assistance but remains unsure in terms of when he can start running. Despite this, Unger is confident that he can suit up in the season opener.
While he is recovering, Unger has spent his time teaching young centers who could fill his spot in training camp, including Josh LeRibeus and Jack Allen.
Saints still waiting for update on Nick Fairley
According to Saints coach Sean Payton, the team is still waiting for update on the condition of defensive lineman Nick Fairley, who asked for a third medical opinion regarding his heart condition.
“I am sure we will hear something fairly soon though,” Payton told NBC Sports. A third opinion is necessary, as the first two doctors who looked at Fairley’s condition both gave him a different prognosis regarding that condition.
Initially, the Saints signed Fairley to a one-year deal in 2016. After he notched a career-high 6.5 sacks last season, he signed a four-year, $28 million contract in March, which included an $8 million signing bonus.
