Saints Place Marcus Davenport and Sheldon Rankins on IR as Defense Takes Brutal Blow
The New Orleans Saints have more to worry about after Sunday’s loss against the San Francisco 49ers, aside from home-field advantage in the playoffs now being a bigger battle.
Two mainstays on their defensive front -- Marcus Davenport and Sheldon Rankins -- have been placed on season-ending injured reserve.
Here's a look at the non-contact injury suffered by Marcus Davenport (No. 92, 2nd from left) in the 4th quarter of Sunday's game vs. S.F.
— Jeff Duncan (@JeffDuncan_) December 10, 2019
Impossible to know what happened, but it did not look good. pic.twitter.com/y1tEFtbjkx
Davenport will have to undergo the second foot surgery of his career, and his presence will be sorely missed as a consistent edge rusher. His 2019 campaign began with lackluster play, but he seemingly broke out of his slump with a stellar performance in Week 12, finishing with three sacks and two forced fumbles against the Carolina Panthers.
The effects of his absence will be doubled with teammate Sheldon Rankins sidelined as well. Rankins is shelved for the second straight year after an Achilles injury ended his 2018, and he’ll now be out with a significant ankle injury.
The Saints have officially placed DE Marcus Davenport and DT Sheldon Rankins on IR, while signing DE Noah Spence as well as DT T.Y. McGill.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) December 11, 2019
The two will leave gaping holes in a defense that was ranked fifth on the year in rushing defense, allowing just 94.2 yards per game, and played a huge role in bolstering their winning efforts with Drew Brees sidelined for the majority of the year.
The team has already made moves to replace them, inking deals with former Buccaneer Noah Spence and defensive tackle T.Y. McGill.