Tag: tanoh kpassagnon

Why didn’t Saints dress out veteran DL after activating him from injury?

Why wasn’t Tanoh Kpassagnon available against the Washington Commanders after being activated from the PUP list? Darren Rizzi has answers:

The New Orleans Saints defensive line had an outstanding day against the Washington Commanders in Week 15, putting together an 8-sack performance with 25 pressures as well. With that said, they did so without the aid of Tanoh Kpassagnon, who is recovering from his torn Achilles and has been making strides in practice, getting ever closer to playing once again.

However, despite practicing fully leading up to this game, he was not active, and interim head coach Darren Rizzi shared some context as to why, telling reporters afterwards that it was more about the game plan than Kpassagnon’s health. He says the veteran defensive lineman is ready to play.

Clearly the gameplan was correctly set up, as the pass rush was enormously successful. Getting depth back along the defensive line is always a bonus however, especially a veteran who knows what he’s doing. Kpassagnon has 3.0 sacks in 3 games against the Green Bay Packers (the next Saints opponent), so we will see if he gets included for the Week 16 game instead.

[lawrence-auto-related count=5]

Saints activate a veteran defensive lineman from the PUP list for Week 15

The New Orleans Saints activated veteran defensive lineman Tanoh Kpassagnon from the PUP list for Week 15’s game with the Washington Commanders:

There it is. The New Orleans Saints activated veteran defensive lineman Tanoh Kpassagnon from the PUP list for Week 15’s game with the Washington Commanders. In a corresponding move, third-year linebacker D’Marco Jackson was sent to injured reserve after hurting his ankle last week.

Kpassagnon injured his Achilles tendon in the offseason and missed all of training camp recovering, plus most of the regular season. It’s impressive that he’s been able to play this year at all while dealing with such a serious injury. The Saints stashed him on the physically unable to perform list (PUP) until three weeks ago, at which point he returned to practice. Now he’s been cleared to dress for a game.

And he’s arriving at the perfect time. The Saints’ pass rush has been heating up behind Chase Young and Bryan Bresee, and Kpasagnon is a versatile defender who can get after the quarterback from inside or outside, though he’s spent most of his time at defensive end. He’s also going to be a free agent in the spring so this gives him an opportunity to pad out his resume with some quality game tape down the stretch.

As for Jackson? His year is likely done, though we don’t know the severity of this ankle injury. He’ll have to miss at least the next four games on injured reserve before he’ll be eligible to return, and at that point the regular season will be over. If the Saints can manage to qualify for the playoffs despite their 5-8 record thus far, he’ll have a shot, however slim.

[lawrence-auto-related count=5]

Saints share good news on final injury report vs. Washington Commanders

The New Orleans Saints shared good news on Alvin Kamara with their final injury report for Week 15’s game against the Washington Commanders:

Here we go. The New Orleans Saints shared good news on Alvin Kamara with their final injury report for Week 15’s game against the Washington Commanders. Kamara missed the first two days of practice recovering from an illness, but the star running back worked out fully on Friday and has no game status listed for Sunday’s kickoff — he’ll be leading the charge like he has all year.

A couple of Saints players were listed with game statuses worth watching, though. Starting quarterback Derek Carr (left hand/concussion) is doubtful to play after missing practice this week. Veteran defensive end Tanoh Kpassagnon (Achilles) has been working his way back from the physically unable to perform list (PUP) and is officially questionable for Sunday’s game. Rookie wide receiver Bub Means (ankle), who is on injured reserve, has been ruled out along with backup linebacker D’Marco Jackson (ankle).

As for the other side? Former Saints Pro Bowl cornerback Marshon Lattimore (hamstring) is expected to play and make his Washington Commanders debut after missing the last month with that soft-tissue injury, having been dealt at the NFL trade deadline. Of course he’s debuting against his former team. Additionally, Commanders wide receiver Noah Brown (kidney) has been ruled out, and three of his teammates are questionable: defensive tackle Daron Payne (back), wide receiver Jamison Crowder (calf), and kicker Zane Gonzalez (left foot).

Here is the final injury report from both teams:

[lawrence-auto-related count=5]

Saints announce inactive players for Week 13 vs. Rams

The New Orleans Saints announced their list of inactive players for Week 13’s game with the Los Angeles Rams. They’re without their best offensive lineman:

We’re closing in on kickoff between the New Orleans Saints and Los Angeles Rams in Week 13 at the Caesars Superdome, but some players will be watching this one from the sidelines. Whether it’s due to injuries or coaching decisions, each team reported their list of inactive players for Sunday’s matchup.

The big question for the Saints was whether Pro Bowl center Erik McCoy would be able to go after missing practice this week. He returned from groin surgery just before the bye week, but aggravated that injury against the Cleveland Browns and wasn’t fully recovered after the break. And now we know he won’t be playing on Sunday. It’ll likely be Shane Lemieux snapping the ball to Derek Carr from center this week.

You can find more information on the final Week 13 injury report, which we broke down in detail here. Here are the inactive players from each team.

New Orleans Saints inactive players:

  • OG Lucas Patrick (injury)
  • DE Tanoh Kpassagnon (injury)
  •  C Erik McCoy (injury)
  • RB Jordan Mims
  • LB Jaylan Ford
  • WR Mason Tipton
  • DT Khristian Boyd
  • QB Spencer Rattler (emergency QB3)

Los Angeles Rams inactive players:

  • TE Tyler Higbee (injury)
  • OT KT Leveston (injury)
  • OL Warren McClendon
  • RB Cody Schrader
  • OL Dylan McMahon
  • OLB Brennan Jackson
  • QB Stetson Bennett IV (emergency QB3)

[lawrence-auto-related count=5]

Saints rule one starter out ahead of Week 13 game vs. Rams

The Saints will be without a starting offensive lineman again versus the Rams. Here’s their final injury report for Week 13:

On Friday, the New Orleans Saints handed a few injury updates ahead of their matchup against the Los Angeles Rams, some good and some bad.

On a negative note, Erik McCoy will be a game time decision on Sunday. The leader of the offensive line injured the same groin that landed him on injured reserve earlier this season. Lucas Patrick will miss his third consecutive game with a calf injury, as he was already ruled out.

Positively, Foster Moreau doesn’t have an injury designation despite being limited in practice the entirety of the week. New Orleans is low on receiving talent, and Moreau gives Derek Carr another player he can trust.

Jamaal Williams was the only player whose designation changed throughout the week. Williams was limited on Wednesday and elevated to a full participant at Friday’s practice. The Saints didn’t practice on Thursday.

The best news is arguably the return of Tanoh Kpassagnon from his Achilles injury. He along with McCoy and Williams are listed as questionable for Sunday’s game.

Image

[lawrence-auto-related count=5]

Saints designate a veteran defensive lineman to return from IR

The New Orleans Saints designated veteran defensive lineman Tanoh Kpassagnon to return from injured reserve. He’s on his way back:

The New Orleans Saints designated veteran defensive lineman Tanoh Kpassagnon to return from injured reserve, and he got on the practice field Tuesday for the first time since partially tearing his Achilles tendon while preparing for training camp this offseason. He’s on his way back, and his coach couldn’t be happier.

“Since Tanoh got injured, I haven’t seen someone in this building more than him, and that’s a credit to him,” interim head coach Darren Rizzi said Tuesday. “Sometimes it’s really easy to get frustrated, especially with the rehab process. So kudos to him. He’s just been grinding through the rehab and to see him out there today in the pads with the helmet on, it’s been a big buildup for him.”

Kpassagnon has been a key piece of the defensive line through three years with New Orleans, tallying 9.5 sacks and 23 quarterback hits along with 65 tackles (10 tackles for loss). He’s got the size to move inside and rush from a defensive tackle alignment while showing the lower-body flexibility needed to guard the edges, and they’d like to add him to the rotation soon. He just needs to prove his body can handle it. He’ll have 21 days to practice and get that green light to go into a game.

[lawrence-auto-related count=5]

Chiefs DT Chris Jones discusses facing former teammates: ‘It’s good to play against your peers’

Kansas City #Chiefs DT Chris Jones discusses facing former teammates: ‘It’s good to play against your peers’ | @EdEastonJr

The New Orleans Saints visit Arrowhead Stadium on Monday night. The team features multiple players who have played for the Kansas City Chiefs and contributed to Super Bowl titles.

Chiefs defensive lineman Chris Jones opened up to reporters on Friday about facing off against several former Chiefs on Monday night as they now play for the New Orleans Saints.

“Yeah, we’ve got what? (Saints LB) Willie Gay, TK (Saints DE Tanoh Kpassagnon), (Saints S) Tyrann (Mathieu), (Saints DT) Khalen Saunders – I talked to him (Saints DT Khalen Saunders) last night. I’m going to call him today to see if he can give me any spits about him being in the offense. (He) probably won’t, but it’s good, man (laughter).” said Jones. “It’s good to play against your peers that you once played and accomplished so much with. It’s also a challenge, though. We want to come in here and make sure we leave with a win. It’s exciting, (we are) looking forward to it, and maybe we can chat after the game.”

Jones is fond of all his former teammates but singled out Khalen Saunders for impacting his life off the field.

“You guys know that’s my guy (Saunders), that’s my guy,” said Jones. “We became very close over the time he was here. I used to go over to his house. (I) Still, call his Mama, Mama. She had a very personable relationship. That’s my guy. That’s my guy. I wish him nothing but success on his journey in this league. And I know when we play Monday, he’s (the) opponent.”

Saunders played for the Chiefs from 2019 to 2022, winning two Super Bowls alongside Jones on the defensive line.

B/R says Saints should put Payton Turner on the trade block

With just one year left on his contract, Bleacher Report argues the New Orleans Saints should put Payton Turner on the trade block:

Bleacher Report’s Ryan Fowler called for the New Orleans Saints to put Payton Turner on the trade block. Fowler listed a player from each team that should go on the trade block.

Fowler had various reasons for a player’s inclusion. Crowded position group, expiring contract, or a change of scenery. Turner is on the last year of his deal, but him getting a new contract after a trade is doubtful because of the injury history. Change of scenery is obviously the route Fowler is going.

Turner hasn’t turned into the player the Saints desired him to be since drafting him in 2021. Heading into Year 4, he may never turn into that, but he could turn into draft compensation from another team via trade.

A large part of Turner not hitting his ceiling is health-related. In three seasons, he has played just 15 games. Turner’s shown flashes, but flashes aren’t enough at this point. Sustained production of some sort is required, and Turner’s availability removes him from sustaining poor or positive performance.

It’s difficult to predict a change of scenery would lead to Turner staying healthy. It certainly didn’t work for Marcus Davenport. Turner would result in minor compensation if he were traded.

On top of that, the Achilles injury to Tanoh Kpassagnon means Isaiah Foskey would step into fourth pass rusher role. Turner is injury-prone, but Foskey hasn’t even shown the flashes to make you believe in him. Never say never, but Turner is likely staying in New Orleans for the final year of his contract.

[lawrence-auto-related count=5]

Dennis Allen expects Alvin Kamara, Chase Young to practice at Saints training camp

Dennis Allen expects Alvin Kamara and Chase Young to participate at the first Saints training camp practice on Wednesday:

The New Orleans Saints will formally kick off their 2024 training camp with the first day of practice on Wednesday, July 24, and head coach Dennis Allen is expecting strong attendance. Two big names who have been the subject of a lot of speculation are both going to be on the field: Alvin Kamara and Chase Young.

“Every indication that we’ve gotten is that he’s going to be out here practicing tomorrow, so that’s what we expect,” Allen responded. “We’re looking forward to working with him, you know? I think having him out here, and having him practice, and having him work, that’s beneficial for all of us. Obviously with the new system and new offense, I think that’s important. And yet I think we all understand there’s a business aspect to the game of football. But every indication that we’ve gotten is that he’ll be out here practicing tomorrow.”

A conventional holdout would have been very expensive for Kamara, so it’s not too surprising that he’s reported for camp while negotiating a new deal with the Saints. The question is whether he’ll limit his participating as a “hold-in” but it doesn’t sound like that’s something Allen is anticipating. Kamara’s spot on top of the depth chart isn’t as secure as you’d think given Kendre Miller’s big-play potential, so it’s important the veteran shows he’s as great a fit in Klint Kubiak’s offense as everyone hopes.

And what about Young? The Saints’ big free agent acquisition underwent neck surgery the day after he signed his one-year contract, but his recovery progressed better than expected, and he isn’t going to miss any time at training camp after all. Allen added that while the Saints will monitor his reps out of an abundance of caution, he’s going to be active for the first day of practice.

“Chase Young will participate in some form at practice tomorrow. We have three players, Tanoh (Kpassagnon), Nephi (Sewell), and Juwan Johnson, those three players will not be practicing tomorrow. Everybody else on the roster will be practicing in some form or fashion. Some maybe a little bit more limited coming off injury and things like that, but everybody else is going to be practicing tomorrow,” Allen said.

Kpassagnon suffered an Achilles injury training this offseason and is likely out for the year, but that hasn’t been confirmed yet. Sewell is still recovering from a knee injury he sustained during Dec. 31’s win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. And Johnson is on the mend after requiring foot surgery in May.

Allen confirmed that wide receiver Chris Olave may also be limited at practice while dealing with a back issue, but it’s not serious and he’s expected to take on a heavier workload as camp progresses. Ryan Ramczyk is done for the year on the physically unable to perform list. But for the most part the Saints are starting camp healthier than many other teams around the league.

[lawrence-auto-related count=5]

Payton Turner labeled a roster cuts candidate who could land elsewhere

Payton Turner has only played 15 games in three years. That untapped potential makes him a potential roster cut who could garner interest elsewhere:

Bleacher Report’s Alex Kay called New Orleans Saints defensive end Payton Turner a potential roster cut that should be on other teams’ radar. There are some notable names on the list alongside Turner, but his status as a former first round draft pick does make him more appealing than others.

This designation meant two things for Turner, from Kay’s perspective.  Turner may be released but has the talent to possibly contribute elsewhere. Kay argues Turner does indeed check both of those boxes:

He has the length and athleticism required to succeed on the edge at the professional level at 6’6″, 270 pounds while possessing plenty of explosiveness and power within that frame.

Although he hasn’t managed to translate those skills to the pro level yet, he has occasionally flashed when he hasn’t been sidelined by significant shoulder and foot injuries. He had a two-sack game against the Las Vegas Raiders in 2022, a contest that showcased his ability to disrupt.

Turner is obviously a camp casualty candidate. The Saints have drafted Isaiah Foskey early in the second round and also signed Chase Young in free agency over the last two years. New Orleans has been trying to find the answer at defensive end, but it’s been elusive.

Turner’s injury concerns have opened the door for more talent to walk in. The room could reach capacity with Turner as the odd man out. The problem with him is he has flashed his talent at times. It feels like if he was ever able to play over half a season he may be able to build upon some of these good moments. He’s only played 15 games in his three-year career.

If Turner is cut, another team could easily see those moments and give him a chance because of it. No one knows for sure what he could be with a full season. It’s likely a team would take the gamble to find out. But with Tanoh Kpassagnon possibly out for the year with a torn Achilles tendon, it’s unlikely the Saints are ready to cut ties with Turner just yet.

[lawrence-auto-related count=4]