New Orleans Saints defensive end Alex Okafor will miss the remainder of the year with a torn Achilles. Ian Rapoport shared the news on the injury on Twitter.
#Saints pass-rusher Alex Okafor, one of their top free agent signings and in the midst of breaking out, is out for the season with a torn Achilles, sources say. He’s helped that defense’s epic turnaround.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 20, 2017
This is a massive loss to the Saints. Okafor has played a huge role in rejuvenating the Saints defense. He has 4.5 sacks, 27 tackles, four passes defended, and two forced fumbles in 10 starts.
Okafor signed a one-year deal worth $3 million this offseason after spending four years with the Arizona Cardinals. His high caliber of play with his small contract has made him a huge bargain for the Saints.
Okafor has performed well opposite Cameron Jordon. The combined defensive pressure by both defensive ends has helped propel the Saints to an 8-2 start. The Saints started the year 0-2 but have gone on an NFL best 8 game win streak. There seems to be no slowing down for this team.
This injury will put a damper on Okafor’s hopes of signing a multi-year contract. It is possible Okafor may have to sign another one-year deal to prove that he is worth a massive contract.
With Okafor out, the Saints will likely turn to a rotation of Hau’oli Kikaha and rookie Trey Hendrickson to fill in. The Saints look to continue their run against the Los Angeles Rams.
