Indefinitely Sidelined Rookie Star
New Orleans Saints Left Tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. Out Indefinitely After Ankle Surgery
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Key Points
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Banks was injured late in the third quarter after landing awkwardly when Ravens defensive end Mike Green’s sack of quarterback Tyler Shough caused a collision and rolled him up; he was eventually taken off the field in a cart.
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Before entering the NFL, Banks won the 2024 Outland Trophy and Lombardi Award at Texas, honors recognizing top interior-line play and the college player who best reflects Vince Lombardi’s values, respectively.
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Richards has NFL experience but limited starting time: the 2023 fifth-round pick by Dallas has appeared in 38 games over four seasons, making five starts.
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Banks’ absence could affect the Saints’ broader offensive-line alignment: Taliese Fuaga, the team’s 2024 first-round pick, opened that season at left tackle before moving to right tackle after New Orleans drafted Banks.
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New Orleans could look internally for additional tackle depth, with practice-squad options including rookies Alan Herron, Easton Kilty and Alex Wollschlaeger; veteran free-agent possibilities are limited, though former Lions first-round pick Taylor Decker is available.
New Orleans Saints left tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. will have surgery for a high-ankle sprain and is out indefinitely, the team announced after Sunday's 24-17 win over Baltimore. Sports Illustrated reported that the 22-year-old rookie, drafted ninth overall in 2025, suffered the injury late in the third quarter when Ravens defensive end Mike Green sacked quarterback Tyler Shough, causing a collision that rolled Banks awkwardly. He was carted off the field and is expected to be placed on injured reserve.
The injury is a major blow to New Orleans' offense. Banks started every game as a rookie and all three contests this season at left tackle. Yahoo Sports confirmed he could miss the rest of the season, though a late-season return is possible if recovery goes well. Asim Richards replaced him against Baltimore and is the leading candidate to start this Sunday against Las Vegas.
A Rookie Tackle's Brutal Third-Quarter Injury
Banks was in the pocket protecting Tyler Shough when Mike Green crashed through the line for a sack. The collision forced Banks to roll awkwardly on his left ankle late in the third quarter. Herald Sun reported that he was unable to walk off and required a cart to leave M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore. The high-ankle sprain is one of football's most serious leg injuries — it damages ligaments between the tibia and fibula bones, not just the ankle joint itself.
High-ankle sprains typically sideline players for months, not weeks. RealGM Football stated Banks will undergo surgery in the coming days to repair the damage. The team has not provided a timeline for his return, but the indefinite designation suggests New Orleans is preparing for his absence through much of the season.
From Outland Trophy Winner to Operating Room
Banks was one of college football's elite prospects before this injury. At Texas, he won the 2024 Outland Trophy, awarded to the nation's best interior lineman. He also earned the Lombardi Award, honoring the college player who best embodies Vince Lombardi's values of excellence and integrity. The combination of honors made him a consensus top-10 pick in April.
His freshman NFL season was smooth sailing until Sunday. Banks started all 17 games last year and opened this season without missing a snap. Now his second season is on hold indefinitely. The early-career setback tests his resilience as he recovers from one of football's most grueling injuries.
Asim Richards Gets His Shot at Left Tackle
The Saints turned to Asim Richards to fill Banks' spot against Baltimore. Richards has NFL experience but limited starting reps — the 2023 fifth-round pick from Dallas has appeared in 38 games over four seasons with just five starts on his resume. Freedom 96.9 noted he completed the Ravens game and is the favorite to keep the job going forward.
New Orleans could shuffle its lineup further. Taliese Fuaga, the 2024 first-round pick, opened last season at left tackle before moving to right tackle when the team drafted Banks. The Saints also have practice-squad depth in rookies Alan Herron, Easton Kilty, and Alex Wollschlaeger. Former Lions first-round pick Taylor Decker remains available as a free-agent option if New Orleans needs veteran help.
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