The New Orleans Saints had several options to replace Erik McCoy after the center’s season-ending biceps injury.

In the end, coach Kellen Moore decided to go with experience over youth.

Moore said that the Saints will turn to Luke Fortner instead of rookie Torricelli Simpkins. Simpkins played center in the preseason and even started at right guard in Week 5, but is an undrafted rookie who has been inactive over the last two games. The Saints, meanwhile, acquired Fortner in an August trade with the Jacksonville Jaguars and the four-year veteran has 34 starts in his career.

“Luke at center, he’s done a really good job,” Moore said. “He’s played some good football. I’m fired up for him. And (we’ll) keep the continuity on the right side and the left side, and I think we’re trending well.

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