New Orleans Saints interim head coach Darren Rizzi believes center Erik McCoy escaped serious injury in Sunday’s 35-14 victory over Cleveland.
McCoy left the Eagles game Sept. 22 with a groin injury that required surgery, was placed on injured reserve and returned to the lineup Sunday after missing seven straight games. He was diagnosed with a groin injury in the first half and didn't finish the game.
The Saints (4-7) are on their bye this week.
"Erik went through a bunch of tests last night/this morning," Rizzi said Monday afternoon. "We just really wanted to be cautious with that because he had all that missed time. I think in the long run he's going to be OK. I think it's probably a good thing we have a bye week this week, but I think Erik's going to be OK."
HAVE A GOOD BYE: Rizzi said he wanted the team to handle the bye properly. "When you have a late bye like this, it's a little bit of a complete different mentality than those early-in-the-season byes," he said. "No. 1, we've got to rest and relax and get our bodies back and come back refreshed. No. 2, we have a little momentum going here over the last couple of weeks, so I think it's important that we come back with that same mentality.
"Sometimes when you step away from a minute or two, it can be easy to lose track, lose focus. So, just coming back, getting some down time, everybody getting healed up, getting the bodies right, getting some good recovery in, at the same time coming back with a focus and a purpose."
SCHEDULE CHANGE: Next week, coming off the bye, Rizzi said the schedule will adjust to account for Thanksgiving. Players will return Monday, then the Saints will practice on Tuesday (like Wednesday), practice Wednesday (like Thursday) and not have a "traditional" practice Thanksgiving Day. There'll be no media availability on Thanksgiving.
"If you guys want to bring me some extra side dishes as a thank you, you're welcome, you can do that," Rizzi said. "I like mashed potatoes and stuffing and cranberry sauce."
BEST MAN WINS: New Orleans has won two straight after losing seven straight, but tight end Juwan Johnson said he has maintained a simple approach.
"The one thing I always like to take into account is, if you think you're better than the other guy across from you, and every person on the team thinks they're better than that guy across from them, then why wouldn't we win?" he said. "I think when you put it in that perspective things can happen, things can work out that way.
"I feel like for a little bit, we kind of lost some belief but we were still fighting. But I think the biggest thing was just, in weeks prior, just look at yourself in the mirror. Are you a man that's going to give up? Are you a man that's going to let somebody take your livelihood, because this is something you've wanted to do your whole life."
