Saints left tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. to have ankle surgery, out indefinitely
The short version
- Saints LT Kelvin Banks Jr. needs ankle surgery and is out indefinitely, per Ian Rapoport.
- Initial reports projected a 4-6 week absence with a high-ankle sprain before further testing showed surgery was needed.
- Nick Underhill reports 10 weeks as the best-case recovery scenario.
- Banks was injured in Week 2's win over the Ravens.
- Veteran Asim Richards is in line to fill in at left tackle.
New Orleans first-round pick Kelvin Banks Jr. will undergo ankle surgery and has no timetable for return, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
New Orleans Saints left tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. will require surgery on his injured ankle and is out indefinitely, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. The rookie suffered the injury during the Saints' Week 2 win over the Baltimore Ravens.
Further testing revealed the need for a procedure after an initial report from Rapoport suggested a high-ankle sprain with an expected absence of four to six weeks. Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football reported that a 10-week recovery would be the best-case outcome.
Banks was one of New Orleans' last two first-round selections, alongside wide receiver Jordyn Tyson. The injury means the two may not share the field until late in the regular season, if at all.
Veteran swing tackle Asim Richards is expected to step in at left tackle while Banks recovers. The Saints are also likely to explore additions to their offensive line depth.
