For the second consecutive week the New Orleans Saints are navigating a major injury that didn't come to light until well after the game.
This time it's rookie DT Vernon Broughton, who suffered a hip injury that is expected to be season ending, according to a report from the NFL Network. Broughton is reportedly seeking multiple opinions before decided to have surgery.
"It'll be an extended period of time. ... Tough one for him because I felt like he played really good football yesterday," Moore said, confirming the injury.
Broughton is expected to land on injured reserve this week.
The third-round rookie out of Texas saw his first NFL action of the season in Week 2 after being a healthy scratch in Week 1. The 24-year-old logged 21 snaps and 3 total tackles, but he'll likely have to set his sights on Year 2 from this point. Broughton was down the DT rotation throughout camp but appeared to come on strong toward the end and had his best showing in the preseason finale.
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He'll join veteran safety Julian Blackmon on the list of players to suffer significant injuries early in the season, with neither player leaving the game for treatment at any point. Blackmon didn't become aware of his season-ending shoulder injury until well after the game.
The injury means the Saints' depth at the DT spot will be tested, with Bryan Bresee and Nathan Shepherd the primary snap-getters alongside Davon Godchaux at nose tackle. Second-year pro Khristian Boyd and veterans Jonathan Bullard and Jonah Williams will also be in the mix. The Saints could also bring back injured DT John Ridgeway, but he will not be eligible to come off of IR until Week 5.
The Saints have started 0-2 with close losses to the Cardinals and 49ers, and they'll next ship out to Seattle as they try to find their first win of the year against the Seahawks.