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It was revealed Monday afternoon that the Saints have placed starting middle linebacker on injured reserve. Field Yates broke the news.
More Saints injury news: they’ve placed LB Alex Anzalone on injured reserve. Tough blow for the third-year player.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) September 16, 2019
Anzalone missed time during the preseason but was ready to go week one against the Houston Texans. No specifics about what type of injury this is has been released. At this time it’s unsure if it is a new injury or the one that he was bothered by prior to the start of the season.
He has a history of shoulder injuries that saw him slide in the 2017 draft to the third round, even though he was considered one of the top linebacker prospects in that class. His rookie year was also cut short due to shoulder issues.
The recently acquired Kiko Alonso who was traded from the Miami Dolphins will see more playing time now the Anzalone has gone down. The trade makes more sense now, as perhaps the team had concerns about Anzalone’s long term health.
The Saints could still bring the linebacker back later in the season after 8 weeks.
The #Saints have placed LB Alex Anzalone on Injured Reserve, per the wire, but he should be able to return later this season.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 16, 2019
Also of note is DE Carl Granderson’s exemption has expired and he is now counted on the 53.
With the exemption being lifted, DE Carl Granderson now counts on the Saints 53 man roster
— Rod Walker (@RodWalkerNola) September 16, 2019