The New Orleans Saints will be without defensive end Tanoh Kpassagnon when the 2024 regular season begins on September 8.
At his Tuesday press conference, head coach Dennis Allen revealed that the eight-year veteran tore his Achilles at the Saints’ indoor facility while running an offseason drill.
“I can say he’s been a valuable part of what we do defensively,” Allen stated. “I believe he has some variety in terms of what he can do, from playing on the edge to getting into the interior. And looking at a guy who has worked extremely hard, it’s awful that this happens.
But he’s on his way to recovery. He is going through the rehabilitation procedure. He’ll work as hard as he can to prepare himself as quickly as possible. “I’m not sure when that is.”
What Are the New Orleans Saints Losing With Tank Kpassagnon?
Last season, Kpassagnon recorded 3.5 sacks, four tackles for loss, and nine quarterback hits while playing on both the inside and outside. The 29-year-old, who may return this year, played about 37% of defensive snaps last season and appeared in all 17 games.
The former Villanova standout was drafted in the second round by the Kansas City Chiefs in 2017, recording two sacks and eight solo tackles in his first season. In four seasons with the defending Super Bowl champion, he made 74 tackles and seven sacks.
Kpassagnon initially signed with New Orleans as a free agency in 2021, and he signed a two-year, $5 million contract extension last winter. In three seasons with the Saints, the Michigan native has 9.5 sacks, including three in Week 14 against the New York Giants last season.
The experienced pass rusher joins other defensive linemen who are out with injuries. Cameron Jordan, an eight-time Pro Bowler, is recuperating his surgically repaired ankle, while free agency 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 16.5 sacks, 22 tackles for loss, and 41 quarterback hits.
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