Wayne

Gandy

It’s a key spot for Aaron Brooks owners. Brooks was harassed all day without Gandy in the lineup last weekend.

The Saints suffered badly when their left tackle was out of the game. A week 17 showdown with the Panthers may decide the NFC wild card.

Just the Saints being the Saints. While Gandy’s $5.25 million salary is hefty, he is coming off perhaps his best season at a highly paid position. He’s not taking a paycut.

This could be the end of the 36-year-old’s 14-year career. Surgery is expected within the next week. Rookie Renardo Foster, who played for coach Bobby Petrino at Louisville but was not highly touted as a draft prospect, will take over on Joey Harrington’s blind side. Foster is likely to struggle all season.

Undrafted rookie Renardo Foster, who played for coach Bobby Petrino at Louisville, replaced Gandy at left tackle. Gandy is considered day-to-day.

Gandy tried to hobble off the field with the held of the training staff, but couldn’t make it and had to be carted off. He appeared to be crying as the cart rolled to the locker room, which is always an interesting sight from a 300-plus pound offensive lineman.

The veteran was on crutches and visibly shaken in the locker room after the game. “I’m very concerned about Wayne,” coach Bobby Petrino said. “It didn’t look good.” Undrafted rookie Renardo Foster is Gandy’s primary backup.