Khalen Saunders Jr. Injury News & Updates
Keep up with the latest injuries from the Falcons vs Jets game on Sunday with our National Football League injury report.Nov 17, 2025
Joins Jets
Saunders signed with the Jets on Monday, Susanna Weir of the team's official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Saunders spent the first half of the season with the Jaguars but was waived Thursday. He went unclaimed and then opted to join the Jets, who could use help along the defensive line after trading away Quinnen Williams.
Nov 13, 2025
Hits the waivers
Saunders was released by the Jaguars on Thursday, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.
ANALYSIS
Saunders appeared in just two games for the Jaguars this season, recording 3 total tackles. The 29-year-old defensive tackle was traded to the Jaguars in August to act as a depth piece behind veteran Arik Armstead. Now that he is set to hit waivers, the seventh-year veteran will have a chance to play a reserve role again should he be signed.
Aug 17, 2025
Dealt to Jacksonville
The Saints traded Saunders to the Jaguars on Sunday, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.
ANALYSIS
Saunders appeared in Sunday's preseason contest against Jacksonville, which ultimately ended in a tie, failing to record a stat in the game. He will now join the Jaguars' roster ahead of the 2025 campaign, likely slotting in as a top reserve option at defensive tackle behind Arik Armstead (back). It's unclear what New Orleans got in return for Saunders, but he'll now look to build off of a 2024 campaign in which he compiled 43 total tackles (18 solo), including 2.0 sacks, while also adding three passes defensed, one of which was an interception, over 13 regular-season contests.
Jan 8, 2025
Decent in injury-shortened year
In 13 games in 2024, Saunders recorded 43 tackles (18 solo) including 2.0 sacks and three pass breakups including an interception.
ANALYSIS
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.
Dec 30, 2024
Ties season high with seven tackles
Saunders finished Sunday's 25-10 loss to the Raiders with seven tackles (three solo).
ANALYSIS
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.
Oct 8, 2024
Snags interception in loss
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.
ANALYSIS
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.
Sep 27, 2024
Logs full practice
Saunders (calf) was a full participant at the Saints' practice Friday, Matthew Paras of The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.
ANALYSIS
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.
Sep 13, 2024
Won't play Sunday
Saunders (calf) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's matchup with the Cowboys, Mike Triplett of NewOrleans.Football reports.
ANALYSIS
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.
Sep 6, 2024
Not playing Sunday
Saunders (calf) is ruled out for Sunday's regular-season opener against the Panthers, John Hendrix of SI.com reports.
ANALYSIS
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.
Sep 5, 2024
Still absent Thursday
Saunders (calf) remained sidelined for Thursday's practice.
ANALYSIS
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.
Aug 27, 2024
Dealing with calf injury
Saunders (calf) is expected to be sidelined for a "couple weeks," Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football reports.
ANALYSIS
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. 2023 first-rounder Bryan Bresee and rookie sixth-rounder Khristian Boyd will be tasked with elevated reps while Saunders is out.
Aug 25, 2024
Nursing calf injury
Saunders sustained a calf injury during the Saints' 30-27 preseason loss to the Titans on Sunday, Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football reports.
ANALYSIS
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.
Jan 18, 2024
Enjoys career-best campaign
Saunders logged 57 tackles and one pass defended across 17 games during the 2023 campaign.
ANALYSIS
Saunders played a career-high 500 defensive snaps in 2023 after joining the Saints on a three-year, $12.3 million deal in March. The former Chiefs defensive tackle went on to eclipse his previous career high for tackles set during his 2022 campaign in Kansas City; but, he failed to wrangle a sack for New Orleans after logging 3.5 last season. Saunders will look to maintain a primary role at defensive tackle alongside Nathan Shepherd and Bryan Bresee heading into the 2024 campaign.
Jan 7, 2024
Clears concussion protocol
Saunders (concussion) is available for Sunday's game versus the Falcons.
ANALYSIS
Saunders was trending in this direction after practicing in full during Friday's session. Look for the defensive tackle to take on his usual responsibilities at defense tackle assuming he avoids any setbacks.
Jan 5, 2024
Questionable with concussion
Saunders (concussion) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game versus the Falcons, Mike Triplett of NewOrleans.Football reports.
ANALYSIS
Saunders was a full participant at practice Friday, but there could still be outstanding steps for him to clear league concussion protocol. If he's not able to do so before Sunday, rookie first-rounder Bryan Bresee would probably start in his place.
Jan 4, 2024
Practices Thursday
Saunders (concussion) was a limited participant in practice Thursday after missing Wednesday's session.
ANALYSIS
It's a step in the right direction for the starting defensive tackle ahead of Sunday's matchup with the Falcons. Saunders has yet to miss a game this season. The fifth-year pro has 54 tackles and a pass defensed in 2023.
Jan 3, 2024
Misses practice Wednesday
Saunders (concussion) did not participate at the Saints' practice Wednesday.
ANALYSIS
Saunders popped up on the injury report to open the week with a concussion, putting his status in question for Sunday's crucial matchup with the Falcons in question. The defensive lineman now faces an uphill battle of clearing concussion protocol ahead of Week 18.
Aug 3, 2023
Practices fully
Saunders (illness) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice, John Hendrix of the Saints News Network reports.
ANALYSIS
The defensive tackle had been absent from training camp since exiting a practice last Thursday with an illness. Saunders landed a three-year, $14.5 million contract in the offseason after making 48 tackles in a backup role for the Super Bowl-champion Chiefs last year. The fifth-year pro is expected to start for New Orleans, assuming he stays healthy.
Jul 27, 2023
Leaves practice early
Saunders left practice Thursday with an illness, Luke Johnson of The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.
ANALYSIS
Saunders had a breakout season in 2022, which he'll be working to build upon, as soon as he can get himself healthy again. For now, his absence should open up opportunities for the defensive lineman further down the depth chart during practice.
Mar 15, 2023
Inks deal with Saints
The Saints and Saunders agreed to terms on a three-year contract Wednesday, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reports.
ANALYSIS
Selected 84th overall in the third round of the 2019 Draft, Saunders appeared in 38 games across four years with the Chiefs and had a career year as a rotational lineman last season. Saunders recorded 3.5 sacks for the Super Bowl champs and will now go to New Orleans to help fill the voids left by David Onyemata and Shy Tuttle on the interior of the Saints' line.
Mar 10, 2023
Career-best campaign in 2022
Saunders tallied a career-high 48 tackles (22 solo) and 3.5 sacks during the 2022 regular season.
ANALYSIS
Saunders' was operating in a contract year in 2022 and produced a career-best campaign at the right time. It remains to be seen where he will suit up in 2022, but he should have a home somewhere in 2023, even if it's not in KC.
Dec 28, 2022
Full participant at practice
Saunders logged a full workload at the Chiefs' Wednesday practice.
ANALYSIS
Saunders is coming off a one-game absence due to an illness, but it looks like he is over the issue. He appears on track to take on his usual role at defensive tackle assuming his health remains up to par throughout the week.
Dec 24, 2022
Officially sitting out Saturday
Saunders (illness) will not be available for Saturday's game against the Seahawks.
ANALYSIS
Saunders will miss his first game of the year after failing to practice Week 16 due to an illness. The 26-year-old has recorded 43 tackles, 2.5 sacks and one pass defended while playing a prominent role alongside star defensive tackle Chris Jones this season. With Saunders sidelined, Derrick Nnadi and Brandon Williams will likely see increased usage against Seattle.
Dec 22, 2022
Doubtful to play Week 16
Saunders (illness) is considered doubtful to take the field against Seattle on Saturday.
ANALYSIS
Saunders missed all three practices this week due to a illness, putting his availability Sunday in serious doubt. The fourth-year pro played half of the Chiefs' defensive snaps for the first time this season last week against Houston, and his playing time could be absorbed by Brandon Williams if he's unable to go Saturday.
Nov 8, 2022
Leading tackler Sunday
Saunders logged six tackles (three solo) and one sack in Sunday's 20-17 overtime win versus Tennessee.
ANALYSIS
Saunders led the Chiefs in tackles despite playing just 18 defensive snaps against the Titans. The rotational defensive lineman also sacked quarterback Malik Willis for a 12-yard loss in overtime, marking his second tackle on Tennessee's final drive of the game. Saunders has now recorded more than three tackles just twice this season, so he'll likely see his production come back down to earth this Sunday against the Jaguars.
Jan 28, 2022
Good to go for AFC Championship
Saunders (undisclosed) doesn't carry an injury designation heading into Sunday's game against the Bengals.
ANALYSIS
Saunders was activated from injured reserve Tuesday and wasn't on the injury report all week, so he is expected to be active for the first time since Week 7. The backup defensive tackle played double-digit defensive snaps in all seven appearances this season, but he recorded at least one tackle in just three of those games. It's unclear how much playing time he will get against the Bengals.
Jan 25, 2022
Activated from injured reserve
The Chiefs activated Saunders (undisclosed) from injured reserve Tuesday, Aaron Wilson of Sportstalk 790 Houston reports.
ANALYSIS
Saunders was designated to return Jan. 4, so he was activated on the last day before his 21-day window expired. He hasn't played since Week 7, and his status for the AFC Championship Game is uncertain. The Chiefs' practice report this week will give a better indication as to whether or not they expect the 2019 third-round pick to be available Sunday or not.
Jan 4, 2022
Designated for return from IR
Saunders (undisclosed) was designated to return from IR on Tuesday, Pete Sweeney of ArrowheadPride.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Saunders was placed on IR on Nov. 30 and hasn't played since Week 7 against the Titans. Now that he's been designated to return, he can practice with the team again. He'll work to prove he's healthy enough to return Saturday against the Broncos.
Nov 30, 2021
Placed on injured reserve
Saunders (undisclosed) was placed on injured reserve Tuesday, Herbie Teope of The Kansas City Star reports.
ANALYSIS
Saunders has missed time this season with a knee injury, but it's not yet know if that's why he was placed on IR. He last took the field in Week 7 against Tennessee and will be eligible to return for Week 16 against the Steelers.
Nov 10, 2021
Off injury report
Saunders (knee) wasn't listed on the Chiefs' injury report Wednesday.
ANALYSIS
Saunders was unable to suit up for the Chiefs the past two weeks. The defensive tackle was able to practice fully and is no longer on their injury report which could indicate that he'll be able to play in Week 10. Expect Derrick Nnadi to continue to see increased snaps until Saunders is able to play again.
Nov 7, 2021
Not playing against Green Bay
Saunders (knee) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Packers, Adam Teicher of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Saunders sat out Monday's win over the Giants and while he could have played after logging a full practice Wednesday, he might have suffered a setback and won't be playing in this matchup. Saunders' next chance to play will come Nov. 14 at Las Vegas.
Nov 4, 2021
Practices in full
Saunders (knee) was a full participant at Wednesday's practice.
ANALYSIS
Saunders sat out Monday's win over the Giants with the knee injury, but he was able to practice with no limitations just two days later. The 25-year-old has filled a rotational role on the interior defensive line for Kansas City when healthy.
Oct 31, 2021
Won't play Monday night
Saunders (knee) has been ruled out for Monday's contest against the Giants, Herbie Teope of The Kansas City Star reports.
ANALYSIS
Saunders recorded a season-high four tackles against the Titans during Week 7, but he appears to have picked up a knee injury that will sideline him for at least one week. Tershawn Wharton will likely see an uptick in snaps with Saunders out for the Chiefs' Week 8 matchup with the Giants.
Oct 24, 2020
Returns from injured reserve
Saunders (elbow) was activated from injured reserve Saturday, Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle reports.
ANALYSIS
The 24-year-old has been sidelined since suffering the dislocated elbow in the season opener, but he's back in time for Week 7. Saunders filled a rotational role with 22 tackles and one sack last season and figures to be used similarly in 2020 now that's he's healthy.
Oct 21, 2020
Nearing return to action
The Chiefs designated Saunders (elbow) to return from injured reserve Wednesday, Charles Goldman of USA Today reports.
ANALYSIS
Saunders has resided on IR since Sept. 19 due to a dislocated elbow but appears nearing a return. The Western Illinois product could return as early as Sunday's game against Denver, but once he returns to the team, it will likely be in more a depth role at defensive tackle.
Sep 19, 2020
Placed on IR
The Chiefs placed Saunders (elbow) on injured reserve Saturday.
ANALYSIS
Saunders is expected to be sidelined for a month due to a dislocated elbow, so this decision was inevitable. He will be available to return from IR after three weeks. While he is sidelined, look for Tershawn Wharton to see an uptick in defensive snaps.
Sep 16, 2020
Expected to miss a month
The Chiefs expect Saunders to be out a month as he works to recover from a dislocated elbow, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
ANALYSIS
Saunders suffered the injury during Kansas City's season-opening win over the Texans. The second-year pro avoided any fractures and won't need surgery, so he shouldn't face many additional hurdles as he works toward a mid-October return. In the meantime, Tershawn Wharton stands to handle increased defensive snaps.
Sep 10, 2020
Dislocates elbow Thursday
Saunders dislocated his elbow during Thursday's game against the Texans, Adam Teicher of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Saunders exited the game in the first quarter and did not return. Even with a 10 day recovery period prior to Week 2, it would not be surprising to see the defensive tackle miss some additional time, in which case Tershawn Wharton should see additional snaps behind starters Chris Jones and Derrick Nnadi.
Sep 10, 2020
Done for night
Saunders (elbow) is out for the remainder Thursday's game against the Texans.
ANALYSIS
Saunders appeared to suffer a serious arm injury in the first quarter, laying on the ground in pain. The good news for Saunders is that he'll have 10 days to recover before Week 2. As long as Saunders is out, Tershawn Wharton should be in line for an uptick in depth snaps.
Sep 10, 2020
Suffers injury Week 1
Saunders left Thursday's game against the Texans with an arm injury, Nate Taylor of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Saunders suffered the injury in the first quarter, as it appeared to be serious, as he was holding his arm in pain. The injury could be serious, as the Western Illinois product went back to the locker room. As long as Saunders is out, Tershawn Wharton could be in line for an uptick in depth snaps.
Feb 21, 2020
Reserve role in 2019
Saunders notched 22 tackles (13 solo), one sack and one defended pass across 12 regular-season contests in 2019.
ANALYSIS
Saunders also had three tackles across three postseason appearances. After sitting out the first four contests of the regular season, the Western Illinois product managed to carve out a consistent depth role behind Chris Jones and Derrick Nnadi in the middle of Kansas City's defensive line. He'll now work to further his development over the offseason.
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