The Saints will need a backup plan at safety for the remainder of the year. Rookie Kenny Vaccaro has a broken ankle that will require surgery, according to Katherine Terrell of NOLA.com. The first-year player had been one of the most productive players on the Saints defense this season and likely will get consideration for Defensive Rookie of the Year.
Kenny Vaccaro injury: Saints DB out for season, needs surgery
The Saints have lost their first-round pick for the rest of the year.
Grant Halverson
Vaccaro suffered the season-ending injury against the Panthers on Sunday. The rookie had a terrific season and started all 14 games that he appeared in. Vaccaro collected 79 tackles, a sack, an interception and a force fumble this season. New Orleans will likely have to start Roman Harper moving forward. The veteran has been in-and-out of the lineup all season and has appeared in just eight games. He has 31 tackles and interception on the season.
The Saints are 2-3 in their last five games but still have a shot at winning the division. New Orleans needs a win against the Buccaneers to have a shot at winning the NFC South title.
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