INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Before the New Orleans Saints made it to halftime of their preseason opener against the Los Angeles Chargers, two offensive linemen had to return to the locker room because of apparent injuries.
Trevor Penning, who is in the midst of a transition to guard, went to the locker room during the second quarter. A report from the WWL-AM sideline reporter indicated Penning appeared to be walking normally, but he had his shoes off as he made his way back to the locker room.
Will Clapp left the game flanked by athletic trainers after the Saints' second offensive play from scrimmage. It is not yet clear what Clapp's injury is, but he returned to the locker room on a cart.
The Saints trotted out four of their five regular starters at offensive line for the preseason opener, with Clapp filling in for Pro Bowl center Erik McCoy in the starting lineup. When Clapp left the game, the Saints inserted undrafted rookie Torriccelli Simpkins at center.
Starting right tackle Taliese Fuaga and right guard Cesar Ruiz played only the first offensive series before giving way to the backups. The Saints kept both Penning and first-rounder Kelvin Banks Jr. in for the first four offensive series.