papz

Saints right tackle Zach Strief and defensive end Junior Galette both left Monday night’s game with injuries, the extent of which was unknown.

Strief left with a groin injury, and Galette left with an ankle injury. The team announced that X-rays on Galette were negative.

Both players would be tough to replace. Strief has been an underrated strength in pass protection over the past two years, and losing him would affect the chemistry of the line. The Saints do have an experienced backup available in third-year pro Charles Brown, who has been playing in recent weeks as an extra blocking tight end. Brown has shown inconsistency throughout his young career, but he’s been healthier than ever this year and has enough experience now where he should be able to hold his own if needed beyond this week.

Galette is one of the Saints’ best pass rushers, used most often in nickel packages but also in base. The Saints used end Cameron Jordan more at end in nickel packages after he left instead of sliding Jordan inside on passing downs like they usually do. They have enough depth to do that—or to use veteran backup Turk McBride more if needed. But any loss of pass rush help will be tough for this team to absorb.

Everyone is entitled to be stupid, but some abuse the privilege.

All little common sense goes a long way.