New Orleans Saints rookie guard Jeremiah Wright suffered an apparent shoulder injury during Wednesday’s practice, causing him to make an early exit.
While the severity of the injury has yet to be determined, Wright’s departure is noteworthy because of the role he was expected to play this season. Selected in the fourth round of the recent NFL Draft out of Auburn, the versatile interior lineman entered camp as one of the team’s most intriguing young depth pieces.
His absence is magnified by the uncertainty surrounding starting right guard Cesar Ruiz. After showing flashes of being a dependable starter throughout his NFL career, Ruiz’s consistency has remained an issue. Injuries have also interrupted his development in recent seasons, making reliable depth behind him an important priority for New Orleans.
That’s where Wright entered the picture. At Auburn, Wright developed a reputation as a physical, technically sound blocker capable of handling multiple responsibilities along the interior offensive line. Those traits made him an ideal developmental prospect and someone who could compete for playing time while serving as insurance if injuries struck the starting lineup.
If Wright is forced to miss time, the Saints could lose valuable developmental reps for a rookie who was expected to push for a role throughout training camp and the preseason. Just as importantly, it would leave the team’s interior depth a bit thinner behind Ruiz at a position where durability has already been a concern.
The Saints are undoubtedly hoping Wright’s shoulder injury proves to be nothing more than a minor setback. But until more is disclosed, his exit from practice serves as a reminder of how quickly depth can become a pressing issue along the offensive line.
