The New Orleans Saints will be without defensive back Tanoh Kpassagnon for at least the start of the season this fall.
Saints head coach Dennis Allen confirmed Tuesday that Kpassagnon tore an Achilles tendon during a drill at their indoor practice facility earlier this season. Details about that incident are unknown, but Kpassagnon will miss training camp and be out for at least the start of the season.
While recovery from Achilles injuries can take a full year, Allen has not yet ruled Kpassagnon out for the entire 2024 season.
Kpassagnon was set to enter his fourth season with the Saints this fall. The 29-year-old was first selected by the Kansas City Chiefs in the second round of the 2017 draft. He spent his first four seasons there and worked his way into the starting lineup in his fourth season.
Kpassagnon has been a key figure in the Saints’ defensive front in recent years. He totaled 19 tackles and 3.5 sacks last season, including a huge game against the New York Giants where he sacked quarterback Tommy DeVito three times. Kpassagnon has totaled 16.5 sacks in his seven seasons in the league, including 9.5 in New Orleans.
“He’s been a valuable part of what we do defensively. I think there’s some versatility in terms of things he can do,” Allen said. “It’s a shame that happened… he’s going to work as hard as he can to get back out there as soon as possible. I don’t know when that will be.”
Kpassagnon is now just the latest Saints defensive end to deal with a significant injury this offseason. Cameron Jordan underwent ankle surgery and Chase Young – who signed a one-year, $13 million contract with the club earlier this year – is recovering from a neck procedure.
