New Orleans Saints linebacker Demario Davis is missing his first game ever due to injury — breaking a streak of 197 consecutive starts, dating back to 2012. Because of that, Willie Gay Jr. is expected to join Pete Werner in the starting lineup against the Atlanta Falcons.
It’ll be interesting to see how often the Saints bring second-year linebacker Anfernee Orji in for base sets with three linebackers on the field together. Orji was a stud in camp, and Atlanta’s run game with Bijan Robinson would normally command some base packages.
Gay and Werner will play likely every snap, and Gay is prepared for the moment: “I know I’m ready. I don’t feel like it, I know I’m ready.”
At the time Gay said that, Davis wasn’t confirmed to miss the game. It was clear it was expected by Gay’s response. It’s not as if he’s never been a starter before. He was a starter in Kansas City, so there should be full confidence coming from him.
Even with New Orleans, Gay has played in every game. He’ll just be stepping into a larger role. Davis’ injury thrusted Gay into the starting lineup, but Werner will likely be taking over for Davis at the middle linebacker spot. Gay would then step in at Werner’s normal position of weakside linebacker, with Orji possibly getting the first shot on the strongside.
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