Saunders (illness) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice, John Hendrix of the Saints News Network reports.
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.
... See More... See Less
Saints' Khalen Saunders: Leaves practice early
Rotowire
Saunders left practice Thursday with an illness, Luke Johnson of The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.
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.
... See More... See Less
Saints' Khalen Saunders: Inks deal with Saints
Rotowire
The Saints and Saunders agreed to terms Wednesday on a three-year contract, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.
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 season in 2022 as a rotational lineman. Saunders recorded 3.5 sacks for the Super Bowl champs and will now go to New Orleans to help fill the voids left at defensive tackle by the departures of David Onyemata and Shy Tuttle.
... See More... See Less
Chiefs' Khalen Saunders: Career-best campaign in 2022
Rotowire
Saunders tallied a career-high 48 tackles (22 solo) and 3.5 sacks during the 2022 regular season.
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 2023, but he should be able to secure a roster spot somewhere in the league.
... See More... See Less
Chiefs' Khalen Saunders: Officially sitting out Saturday
Rotowire
Saunders (illness) will not be available for Saturday's game against the Seahawks.
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.
... See More... See Less
Chiefs' Khalen Saunders: Designated for return from IR
Rotowire
Saunders (undisclosed) was designated to return from IR on Tuesday, Pete Sweeney of ArrowheadPride.com reports.
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.
... See More... See Less
Chiefs' Khalen Saunders: Won't play Monday night
Rotowire
Saunders (knee) has been ruled out for Monday's contest against the Giants, Herbie Teope of The Kansas City Star reports.
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.
... See More... See Less
Chiefs' Khalen Saunders: Returns from injured reserve
Rotowire
Saunders (elbow) was activated from injured reserve Saturday, Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle reports.
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.
... See More... See Less
Chiefs' Khalen Saunders: Placed on IR
Rotowire
The Chiefs placed Saunders (elbow) on injured reserve Saturday.
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.
