New Orleans Saints left tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. will miss an unknown stretch of the season after undergoing ankle surgery for a severe high‑ankle sprain. The 22‑year‑old first‑round pick is expected to be placed on injured reserve as the team adjusts its offensive line.
New Orleans announced that left tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. will undergo ankle surgery and be sidelined indefinitely following a high‑ankle sprain suffered in the Saints’ Week 2 victory over the Baltimore Ravens (source 2). The injury was severe enough to require surgery, ending any short‑term hopes of a quick return (source 1).
Coach Kellen Moore confirmed the diagnosis on Monday, noting that the team will likely place Banks on injured reserve and promote backup Asim Richards, who stepped in during the game, to fill the vacancy (source 1). Richards, who replaced Banks in Week 2, is expected to be the next man up on the offensive line (source 1).
Impact on the Saints’ offense
The loss of Banks, a key protector of quarterback Tyler Shough, forces the Saints to re‑evaluate their pass‑protection schemes. Banks had started two games this season and was instrumental in the early success that led to the team’s first win, a comeback against the Ravens (source 2). With his absence, the coaching staff may lean more on interior linemen and adjust play‑calling to mitigate pressure.
Kelvin Banks Jr., the No. 9 overall pick in the 2025 draft, signed a four‑year, $27,731,246 contract that includes a $16,808,180 signing bonus and a fifth‑year option for 2028 (source 1). A five‑star recruit from Humble, Texas, he earned second‑team All‑Big 12 honors in 2022, second‑team All‑American in 2023, and first‑team All‑American in 2024 before entering the NFL (source 1). He appeared in all 17 games in 2025 and started both of his appearances this season (source 1).
While Rapoport left the door open for a possible late‑season return if rehabilitation proceeds well, the Saints are not counting on his comeback in the immediate future (source 1). The team’s next challenge comes Sunday against the Las Vegas Raiders, where the restructured line will be put to the test (source 2).