In 13 games in 2024, Saunders recorded 43 tackles (18 solo), including 2.0 sacks, and three pass breakups including an interception. Saunders was easily on track to play more defensive snaps in 2024 than in his first season in New Orleans in 2023, but he was forced to miss four games due to injury. Both of his main competitors for playing time, Bryan Bresee and Nathan Shepherd, are good bets to return to the Saints in 2025 along with Saunders, so a similar role could be in store for him next year.
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Status
ACTIVELatest Khalen Saunders news
Other Saints Players
Team
New Orleans Saints
Birthdate
8/9/1996 (28)
Status
Active
HT/WT
6'0", 324 lbs
Draft Info
2019: Rd 3; Pk (KC)
Birthplace
St. Louis, MO, USA
Position
DT
College
Western Illinois
Experience
6 seasons
Career History
New Orleans Saints
2023-Present
(2 seasons)
Kansas City Chiefs
2019-2023
(4 seasons)
In 13 games in 2024, Saunders recorded 43 tackles (18 solo), including 2.0 sacks, and three pass breakups including an interception. Saunders was easily on track to play more defensive snaps in 2024 than in his first season in New Orleans in 2023, but he was forced to miss four games due to injury. Both of his main competitors for playing time, Bryan Bresee and Nathan Shepherd, are good bets to return to the Saints in 2025 along with Saunders, so a similar role could be in store for him next year.
Saunders finished Sunday's 25-10 loss to the Raiders with seven tackles (three solo). Saunders tied a season high with seven combined tackles and finished as the Saints' fourth-leading tackler Sunday behind Pete Werner (13), Demario Davis (13) and Will Harris (eight). Saunders is now up to 43 tackles (18 solo), including 2.0 sacks, and three pass defenses (including one interception) through 12 regular-season games. He'll look to finish the 2024 campaign off strong in the Saints' regular-season finale against the Buccaneers next Sunday.
Saunders recorded seven total tackles (two solo) and also intercepted a pass and notched a pass defensed in Monday's 26-13 loss to Kansas City. Saunders provided the biggest highlight of the game, picking off Patrick Mahomes in the end zone and returning it 37 yards in the third quarter. After missing the first three games of the season with a calf injury, the defensive tackle has now compiled eight total tackles (two solo), an interception and a pass defensed over the last two weeks.
Saunders (calf) was a full participant at the Saints' practice Friday, Matthew Paras of The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports. Saunders appears set to make his 2024 season debut after missing the team's first three contests due to a calf injury. The defensive lineman recorded 57 total tackles (24 solo) and a pass defensed while playing in all 17 regular-season games in 2023 with New Orleans.
Saunders (calf) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's matchup with the Cowboys, Mike Triplett of NewOrleans.Football reports. Saunders missing Sunday's contest comes as no surprise, as the 28-year-old defensive tackle missed the Saints' entire week of practice due to a calf injury sustained at the end of August. Expect Khristian Boyd and Bryan Bresee (illness) to see more snaps with New Orleans' first-team defense while Saunders remains sidelined.
Saunders (calf) is ruled out for Sunday's regular-season opener against the Panthers, John Hendrix of SI.com reports. Saunders hasn't practiced in any capacity this week, or since injuring his calf in New Orleans' Aug. 25 preseason finale. His next chance to suit up will come Week 2 on the road against the Cowboys. Khristian Boyd and Bryan Bresee will stand to see increased work solidifying the interior defensive line until Saunders is recovered.
Saunders (calf) remained sidelined for Thursday's practice. Saunders was injured in New Orleans' Aug. 25 preseason finale and was given a timetable for recovery of a "couple weeks." Bryan Bresee and Khristian Boyd are next up for reps alongside Nathan Shepherd if Saunders is unable to play against Carolina this Sunday.
Saunders (calf) is expected to be sidelined for a "couple weeks," Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football reports. Saunders was injured in the Saints' preseason finale against the Titans this past weekend. The 28-year-old started all 17 games for New Orleans last season, finishing with a career-best 57 tackles (24 solo) and one pass deflection. Bryan Bresee, a 2023 first-round pick, and rookie sixth-rounder Khristian Boyd will be tasked with elevated reps while Saunders is out.
Saunders sustained a calf injury during the Saints' 30-27 preseason loss to the Titans on Sunday, Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football reports. Saunders will undergo further testing to evaluate the severity of his calf injury. The results of those tests will determine his availability for the Saints' regular-season opener against the Panthers on Sept. 8. Saunders is slated to start on the defensive line alongside Cameron Jordan, Nathan Shepherd and Carl Granderson.