Saints Place Starting LB Alex Anzalone on IR

While not as season-altering as the Drew Brees injury, the New Orleans Saints were dealt yet another serious injury blow when they lost a starter on defense for the rest of the season.

Linebacker Alex Anzalone was placed on IR with an undisclosed injury following New Orleans' loss against the Los Angeles Rams, possibly putting an early end to his season, unless he returns later on via the IR-Return Designation.

Staying healthy has been a concern for Anzalone during his young career. Drafted in the third round, No. 76 overall, in the 2017 draft out of Florida, injuries limited him to four games in his rookie season.

In two games this year, Anzalone recorded seven tackles and a sack in the middle of Dennis Allen's defense.

With Anzalone gone, the trade for ex-Miami Dolphins linebacker Kiko Alonso is looking even more savvy.

While this isn't in the same stratosphere as Brees' injury and won't be as crushing as a defender like Cam Jordan or Marshon Lattimore going down, the loss of a speedy linebacker with good coverage skills and a high motor is always going to be a problem for a defense like this.