Heath Evans to IR, Kyle Eckle Signed
 

New Orleans Saints fulback Heath Evans undergoes season-ending knee surgery; replaced on roster by veteran Kyle Eckel

New Orleans Saints fullback Heath Evans has been placed on injured reserve and replaced on the 53-man roster by former New England Patriots fullback Kyle Eckel, Coach Sean Payton said Thursday.

Evans suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee and will be lost for the season. Dr. James Andrews performed surgery Thursday on Evans.

"We're losing a starter who has really played well these first six games,'' Payton said.

Also, Saints defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis suffered a sprained right knee and his status for Monday night's game against the Atlanta Falcons will be updated through the week.

Eckel, 27, was a former teammate of Evans' in New England, where he saw his most extensive playing time in 2007, appearing in 12 games. The 5-11, 237-pounder also appeared in five games with the Philadelphia Eagles last year but was released on the final cut-down day this September.

Eckel began his career as an undrafted free agent out of Navy in 2005, but he bounced around from New England to Miami and back to New England before making his NFL debut in '07. He has 57 carries for 169 yards and two touchdowns in his career.

Evans injured his right knee with 9:06 remaining in Sunday's 46-34 come-from-behind victory against the Miami Dolphins at Land Shark Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla.

Evans had 15 touches 86 yards and scored three touchdowns.


New Orleans Saints fulback Heath Evans undergoes season-ending knee surgery; replaced on roster by veteran Kyle Eckel | New Orleans Saints Central - - NOLA.com

Re: Heath Evans to IR, Kyle Eckle Signed
 

DAMNIT!!!!!! Big loss, don't care how high powered or deep we are. Dude made plays like a RB, he could catch, and could block like a train.

Re: Heath Evans to IR, Kyle Eckle Signed
 

Navy boy

Re: Heath Evans to IR, Kyle Eckle Signed
 

Damn it ... Heath had all but made us forget about Karney, the FB screen was becoming a nice little wrinkle in the offense. Time for Eckel to fill the void and help this team finish their ultimate goal

Re: Heath Evans to IR, Kyle Eckle Signed
 

Good pickup, another ex-Patriot. Evans knows him and can help him learn the offense.

But I will miss "Tigger" Evans bouncing into the endzone.

Re: Heath Evans to IR, Kyle Eckle Signed
 

The offense has survived injuries to Moore, PT, and Bell...time to see if they can step up again. I have faith that they will...but man, this one still hurts.

Look at this picture of Brees and Evans from late in the 4th quarter...it tells the whole story, IMO:

http://static.nfl.com/static/content...allery_600.jpg

Re: Heath Evans to IR, Kyle Eckle Signed
 

Sitting at home watching cartoons are something gets a phone call. Hey need a job? How about playing for an undefeated team?

Re: Heath Evans to IR, Kyle Eckle Signed
 

Son of a bit**!!!!!!!!!! He was playing lights out for us. At least Big Sed just had a sprained knee. He probably wont play this Monday either.

Re: Heath Evans to IR, Kyle Eckle Signed
 

dang .... can Herb Donaldson or PJ Hill not play fullback for us either ... Is this Eckle fellah any good?

Re: Heath Evans to IR, Kyle Eckle Signed
 

He's not Heath good.

Re: Heath Evans to IR, Kyle Eckle Signed
 

Hard to say about Eckle. He was pretty good at Navy but hasn't gotten a lot of NFL time. Just the fact that he has bounced around and Houston also took a sniff at him but didn't bite. That's troubling. But hey, even great players have to get get their shot before becoming great.

Re: Heath Evans to IR, Kyle Eckle Signed
 

Career STATS...

Kyle Eckel: Career Stats

Rushing
17 Games - 57 Carries : 3.0 Average

Receiving
17 Games - 1 Reception : 6 Yards

11 Career Tackles

Re: Heath Evans to IR, Kyle Eckle Signed
 

The Saints offense has a way of making everyone look good.

Re: Heath Evans to IR, Kyle Eckle Signed
 

Well you have to trust in Payton after looking at a few FB's. I am sure Payton already has a few plays going to this guy already.

Although, I wouldn't be surprised to see a TE or even OL line up at the FB position. If anyone has noticed this season that there have been a few times an OL and played in the TE position.

I know its disappointing to see him hurt and out for the season but I think this also just gives Payton more oppitunities to be creative and work his genius.

Re: Heath Evans to IR, Kyle Eckle Signed
 

These Navy fullbacks are a different breed guys. I've seen Navy play three times within the last year, and they always seem to have a guy like Eckel who is a load to carry.

There are a few positives in my mind by signing a Navy fullback:

1) These guys are used to carrying the rock. Often times they are the leading rusher, or second leading rusher, on their teams which means that they are typically good at running the ball.

2) Great character. These guys are typically leaders on the field and on the battle field. I remember the guy who started for Navy one of the last few years was the commander of his entire platoon (or whatever it is, military guys help me out here).

3) Unbelievably disciplined. Navy is generally in the top 5 in the country in fewest penalties because they just have a greater sense of discipline than most other players.

Losing Evans stinks, and I wish him a full and speedy recovery, but I think that this offense will keep clicking.

Re: Heath Evans to IR, Kyle Eckle Signed
 

TOTALLY agree being from Navy myself even their QB's have to be RB's is how much they run. I think its a good pick up to replace Evens.

Re: Heath Evans to IR, Kyle Eckle Signed
 

Can he block? All that other stuff is good but can he block? He seems to have good upside. I'm going to sit back and watch how Payton utilizes him?:popcorn:

Re: Heath Evans to IR, Kyle Eckle Signed
 

called this one too.....dang losing heath hurts

Re: Heath Evans to IR, Kyle Eckle Signed
 

Sounds like a nice pickup, especially this late into the season. I wouldn't worry too much about him being unemployed, there really isn't a big market for FB's anymore. It does get me sick that Evans is out for the season, he was a real plus for the team.

Re: Heath Evans to IR, Kyle Eckle Signed
 

Well... this sucks... the guy was a proven player.

How long will it take his replacement to get up to speed?

http://www4.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/N...5DFbE5wd3l.jpg

Re: Heath Evans to IR, Kyle Eckle Signed
 

Some loss Heath Evans. Don't get that type of experience/player combo everyday. :(

Re: Heath Evans to IR, Kyle Eckle Signed
 

Definitely a big loss for our offense... though we'll manage without him. He was a great lead blocker, good pass catcher and situational short yardage guy for us. In my opinion, he was well on his way to a Pro Bowl this year.

Re: Heath Evans to IR, Kyle Eckle Signed
 

About one game, methinks!

Evans Done for the Season
 

Saints pick up Eckels with Evans' ACL tear, but it seems like Lynel Hamilton will get the nod to start on MNF. Do you guys see any impact in our run scheme blocking, or does Hamilton give us more dimension?

LINKBACK: Saints sign FB Eckel after losing Evans for season to knee injury

Re: Evans Done for the Season
 

I don't think Hamilton gives us an extra dimension or he would already be taking some snaps.

Re: Evans Done for the Season
 

I see an different dimension with Hamilton. Unfortunately, it is a dimension we want no part of.