The New Orleans Saints have only been back on the field for a few weeks, but they won't be getting one of their veteran pass-rushers back any time soon.
Saints head coach Dennis Allen revealed after the team's Tuesday OTA practice that defensive end Tanoh Kpassagnon suffered a torn achilles during the offseason. Allen said the injury occurred during an offseason running drill at the Saints facility. It's unclear exactly what the timeline will be for a potential return, but Kpassagnon is not expected to be ready for the season.
"I can say that he's been a valuable part of what we do defensively. I think there's some versatility in terms of what he can do ... and you look at a guy that's worked extremely hard as he says, it's unfortunate that that happens," Allen said, "but he's on the road to recovery. He's in the rehab process and he's going to work as hard as he can possibly can."
Kpassagnon, originally picked by the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2nd round of the 2017 draft, has been a member of the Saints since 2021, appearing in 40 games and rolling up 9.5 sacks sacks 65 tackles and four passes defensed during that time. He was particularly effective in 2023 shifting inside at point and combo rushing with rookie Brian Bresee, adding some teeth to that pass rush group.
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The absence is an early blow to a group that has a host of intriguing players but several questions to answer after an inconsistent 2023 season in terms of pressuring the quarterback. The Saints will be looking to another pair of players working back from injuries in stalwart Cam Jordan and newcomer Chase Young, neither of whom have yet been cleared for a full slate of work. The Saints will also be hoping for contributions from a pair of high draft picks in Payton Turner and Isaiah Foskey, along with last year's sacks leader in Carl Granderson.
"I think any time you're a young player and you get an opportunity to get reps, they're all valuable," Allen said. "So yea, I think that's huge for these young guys that, look, it's unfortunate when there's injuries that happen ahead of you and yet it's an opportunity for you to step in and you know, get an opportunity for more reps, potentially more playing time, all those types of things."