Saints open window for Kpassagnon return

By Ross Jackson

NEW ORLEANS — A new weapon is set to return soon for the New Orleans Saints’ defensive line. Lineman Tanoh Kpassagnon was back participating in practice for the first time on Tuesday, signifying that the team has opened the 21-day practice window for his return. The team later confirmed that was the case after practice.

The #Saints have opened the 21-day practice window for DE Tanoh Kpassagnon @Passinyo pic.twitter.com/1IfeorsMNz

— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) November 26, 2024

Kpassagnon has been on Physically Unable to Perform list all season after suffering an Achilles tear in the offseason. 

The veteran lineman was a key piece in the Saints’ defensive line last season, helping to lead the charge for a late-season push in disruption for opposing quarterbacks. Kpassagnon set a career-high with three sacks against the New York Giants last year in Week 15. As the Giants again approach on the 2024 schedule, Kpassagnon could be back on the field.

The trend for the Saints so far this season has been to activate the 21-day practice window and then officially activate the player back to the active roster at least one week later. If they follow that same trend, it would mean that Kpassagnon would not be eligible to take the field this weekend against the Los Angeles Rams.

But considering his success against the Giants last year, getting him back next week surely won’t be a disappointment for the team. 

New Orleans desperately needs more threats on its defensive line. With just 133 total pressures credited by Next Gen Stats, the Saints defense ranks No. 20 across the league. Meanwhile their 30 percent pressure rate ranks them No. 27. Both metrics are in need of a late-season boost as the team tries to make a push for an unlikely, though not impossible, playoff run.

Getting Kpassagnon back for the stretch run with fresh legs beneath him could have an underrated impact in the positive for New Orleans.