Welcome back, Trevor Penning. The New Orleans Saints left tackle re-entered the starting lineup after James Hurst left Sunday’s game with the Houston Texans due to an injury. Hurst was rolled up on by other players during a play and needed assistance to leave the field for evaluation in the blue medical tent on the sideline; he was later transported to the locker room for further treatment on a medical cart.
The Saints announced that Hurst was questionable to return after injuring his ankle. They had previously decided to bench Penning for this game in favor of Hurst, who started at left tackle last season, envisioning Andrus Peat moving back to his old spot at left guard (where Hurst had been playing). But Peat suffered a strained groin muscle in practice late this week, so neither of the starters at left tackle nor left guard ended up playing against the Texans as the Saints planned.
The only other available linemen in Houston include rookie draft pick Nick Saldiveri and Peat, who the team activated but did not start. They must feel confident he can play on short notice but not fur an entire game. Stay tuned for updates on Hurst’s status.
Update: The Saints downgraded Hurst and announced that he would not return against the Texans due to his injury.
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