Saints center Erik McCoy sidelined against the Green Bay Packers with an elbow injury

GREEN BAY, Wis. — Already down a handful of critical offensive players, the New Orleans Saints lost another offensive starter in the first quarter against the Green Bay Packers.

Pro Bowl center Erik McCoy left the field on the Saints opening drive against the Green Bay Packers with an elbow injury. He was evaluated in the injury tent on the sidelines, then jogged to the locker room for a further evaluation.

When the Saints offense returned to the field — after a 17-play, 96-yard Packers touchdown drive that drained nearly nine minutes of the game clock — McCoy was back in the lineup in his usual spot. But that was short-lived.

New Orleans went three and out on that possession, and the Packers followed with another touchdown drive to make it a 21-0 game. When the Saints regained possession, McCoy was back on the sideline and Shane Lemieux was in his spot at center.

McCoy missed eight games with a groin injury earlier this season.