New Orleans – The Saints’ offensive line took a hit on Sunday when left tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. was carted off late in the third quarter of the 24‑17 victory over the Baltimore Ravens. The 22‑year‑old rookie, selected ninth overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, appears to have suffered a high‑ankle sprain, a injury that typically requires several weeks of recovery.
Injury details and next steps
According to NFL Network, team doctors will perform an MRI to assess the severity of the sprain. If the injury proves significant, the Saints are expected to place Banks on injured reserve, which would end his streak of consecutive games played since entering the league.
Impact on the offensive line
Banks started all 17 games last season as a rookie and has already started the first two games of the 2026 campaign. His absence forces the team to rely on backup Asim Richards, a 25‑year‑old fifth‑round pick from Dallas in 2023. Richards has appeared in 38 games over the past four seasons, starting five of them, and is projected to step into the starting role while Banks recovers.
Team outlook
The Saints remain 2‑1 on the season and are looking to build on the win against Baltimore. Head coach Dennis Allen praised the line’s resilience, noting that the depth at the tackle position will be tested but the unit is prepared to adapt. “We have confidence in Asim and the rest of our line to keep protecting our quarterback and opening lanes for the run game,” Allen said in a post‑game interview.
What the injury means for the Saints’ season
While losing a top‑draft pick is a setback, the Saints have a solid depth chart and a coaching staff experienced in adjusting lineups mid‑season. If Banks is placed on injured reserve, he will be eligible to return after a minimum of four weeks, giving the team time to evaluate his progress and potentially bring him back for the second half of the season.
Fan reaction
Local fans expressed concern on social media, emphasizing the importance of protecting young talent and urging the team to prioritize a careful rehab process. Many highlighted the need for the Saints to maintain a strong running game while the line adjusts.
Overall, the Saints appear poised to navigate the short‑term challenge posed by Banks’ injury, relying on the depth of their offensive line and the strategic guidance of the coaching staff to stay competitive in the NFC South.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
