The 49ers lost a key to their offensive line with just over 10 minutes left in the third quarter Sunday against the Saints in New Orleans.

Center Weston Richburg was carted off the field with an injury to his right knee and ankle. Richburg's right leg got caught on guard Mike Person's left leg, causing the center's leg to awkwardly bend as he went to the ground.

Old friend Weston Richburg leaves the game on a cart. Speedy recovery big dawg ✊🏻 pic.twitter.com/FxSX2FMRXN — Bobby Skinner (@BobbySkinner_) December 8, 2019

Several #49ers surround Weston Richburg as he exits the field on a cart. pic.twitter.com/sa7YyfL5rV — Jennifer Lee Chan (@jenniferleechan) December 8, 2019

San Francisco officially ruled Richburg out for the game.

#49ers injury update



C Weston Richburg (knee, ankle) is OUT. — Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) December 8, 2019

[RELATED: 49ers' Ford aggravates hamstring, ruled out vs. Saints]

The 49ers had 339 total yards to the Saints' 265 at the time of Richburg's injury, but they trailed 30-28. Ben Garland took over for Richburg, and the 49ers immediately scored a touchdown on their first drive without their starting center.

The 49ers signed Richburg to a five-year contract in March 2018.