Technically, Torricelli Simpkins did not play as much in Sunday’s 17-17 tie against the Jacksonville Jaguars as he did in last week’s preseason game.

After playing 97% of the offense’s snaps in his debut, the New Orleans Saints rookie offensive lineman was pulled from the lineup with just under three minutes left. Instead, he’d settle for playing 50 snaps — still good for 84% of the unit’s total.

Simpkins said the substitution came as a surprise to him. He was ready to play the whole game, if need be.

“I think we’ve built a trust,” Simpkins said, referring to the coaching staff. “They know that I’m going to give it my all no matter how long I’m in there.”

With the Saints resting center Erik McCoy in the preseason, coach Kellen Moore has turned to a little-known, undrafted free agent

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