New Orleans Saints Lose Left Tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. to Ankle Injury

Injury Blow for Saints

The New Orleans Saints suffered a major setback during their game against the Baltimore Ravens. Left tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. was forced to leave the game in the fourth quarter due to an ankle injury. The team quickly ruled him out for the remainder of the contest.

The injury occurred during a third down play. On a 3rd and 19 play, Saints quarterback Tyler Shough was sacked. During the play, Banks landed awkwardly on his ankle. The young tackle immediately grabbed his left ankle and remained down on the turf.

The Saints medical staff rushed onto the field to attend to Banks. After a brief evaluation, a cart was brought out to assist him. Banks was helped onto the cart and taken off the field, ending his afternoon in Baltimore.

Impact of the Injury

Losing Banks is a massive blow to the Saints offense. The 22 year old lineman has been a highly durable and important piece of the team's offensive line since he arrived in New Orleans.

Banks was selected by the Saints with the ninth overall pick in the 2025 draft. He made an immediate impact during his rookie year, starting all 17 games at left tackle for New Orleans last season. His ability to protect the quarterback has been a key asset for the franchise.

Richards Takes Over

With Banks sidelined, veteran offensive lineman Asim Richards was called upon to fill the void. Richards took over at left tackle on the very next offensive series for New Orleans.

Richards is in his first year with the team after being acquired in a trade before the season. During the 2025 preseason, the Dallas Cowboys traded Richards and a 2028 seventh round draft pick to the Saints. In exchange, New Orleans sent a 2028 sixth round pick to Dallas.

Now, Richards will have to carry the load at left tackle as the Saints wait for further updates on the severity of the ankle injury to Banks.