This one is going to sting..
Kellen Moore receives first massive blow as head Coach of New Orleans Saints originally appeared on The Sporting News
It certainly was not the dream start first-year head coach Kellen Moore wanted. Taking over for the fired Dennis Allen, he took his first major loss on Tuesday.
The New Orleans Saints have been dealt a devastating setback just weeks before the regular season kicks off. Veteran center Will Clapp, a New Orleans native and former LSU standout, has been ruled out for the entire 2025 season after suffering a severe foot injury that requires surgery. The injury occurred early in Sunday’s preseason matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers, with Clapp being carted off during the Saints’ first offensive series.
BREAKING: Saints C Will Clapp will miss the entire 2025 NFL season with a foot injury, per @Schultz_Report.
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) August 12, 2025
Clapp's foot injury requires surgery that will officially be season-ending. pic.twitter.com/bJhs52qyML
Will Clapp to miss the entire 2025 season
This loss is especially painful for the Saints’ offensive line depth. Clapp was stepping in for starting center Erik McCoy, who was already dealing with his own injury issues. Now, the Saints must rely on unproven depth, with undrafted rookie Torricelli Simpkins thrust into the role. For a team looking to bounce back from recent struggles, losing an experienced interior lineman is a major obstacle, especially given the importance of offensive line continuity in both protecting the quarterback and establishing the run game.
MORE: Kyle Shanahan gives update on a key offensive star injury
A team already facing an uphill battle
The Saints’ 2024 season was one of inconsistency and frustration. Despite boasting a defense that kept them in most games, the offense often sputtered, plagued by injuries, shaky pass protection, and an inability to find rhythm in the run game. The team finished outside of playoff contention, leaving fans and analysts wondering if the current roster makeup was enough to compete in the NFC South.
Now, heading into 2025, optimism has taken another hit. Training camp injuries are always tough, but losing a veteran center, someone familiar with the playbook, protections, and snap cadence, means the Saints’ offense will have to make adjustments on the fly. In a division where every win will matter, the margin for error is now even thinner. Unless their young replacements can step up quickly, this could be the kind of preseason blow that lingers well into the regular season.
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Category: Football
