The New Orleans Saints will be without defensive end Tanoh Kpassagnon when the 2024 regular season opens on Sept. 8.
Head coach Dennis Allen told reporters at his Tuesday press conference that the eight-year veteran tore his Achilles at the Saints indoor facility while doing an offseason running drill.
“I can say he’s been a valuable part of what we do defensively,” Allen said. “I think there’s some versatility in terms of the things he can do, in terms of playing on the edge or even moving into the interior. And you look at a guy who has worked extremely hard like he has, it’s unfortunate that that happens.
“But he’s on the road to recovery. He’s going through the rehab process. He’s going to work as hard as he possibly can to get himself ready as soon as he can. When that is, I don’t know.”
What Are The New Orleans Saints Losing In Tank Kpassagnon?
Kpassagnon tallied 3.5 sacks, four tackles for loss, and nine quarterback hits last season while playing on both the inside and edge. The 29-year-old, who could return at some point this year, played almost 37% of the defensive snaps last season while appearing in all 17 games.
The former Villanova standout was a 2017 second-round pick of the Kansas City Chiefs and posted two sacks and eight solo tackles during his rookie campaign. In four seasons with the reigning Super Bowl champion, he recorded 74 tackles and seven sacks.
Kpassagnon initially signed with New Orleans in 2021 as a free agent and inked a two-year, $5 million contract extension last winter. In three seasons with the Saints, the Michigan native has compiled 9.5 sacks – including a three-sack outing in Week 14 last season against the New York Giants.
The veteran pass rusher joins several team members on the defensive line who are sidelined with an injury. Eight-time Pro Bowler Cameron Jordan is rehabbing his surgically repaired ankle, while free agent acquisition Chase Young is recovering from an offseason neck procedure.
“It’s unfortunate when there’s injuries that happen ahead of you, and yet it’s an opportunity for you to step in and get an opportunity for more reps, potentially more playing time, all types of things,” Allen said.
In 101 career games, including 34 starts, Kpassagnon has notched 16.5 career sacks, 22 tackles for loss, and 41 quarterback hits.
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