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Publicly, Akiem Hicks isn't saying what Kenyon Coleman's injury might mean. But it certainly has to have crossed his mind in the day since Coleman tore his pectoral muscle in a "freak accident" during Tuesday's practice.

Coleman was seen walking to the sideline and then leaving after slamming his helmet down in frustration during practice. He didn't participate in that afternoon's walkthrough and was likely informed Tuesday night that the prognosis was a pectoral tear.

"He's going to have surgery most likely (Thursday) and most likely that will be season-ending for him," said Saints coach Sean Payton on Wednesday.

Until Wednesday, the Saints had manage to avoid the rash of injuries affecting other teams around the league this week. But they also announced wide receiver Joe Morgan will be out for the season with a torn meniscus and partially torn anterior cruciate ligament.

"Obviously they are losses, and we have to find some guys to step up and take their spot," Payton said.

With linebacker Victor Butler (ACL) likely out for the season as well, it was a disheartening day for the team.

"This game is tough," said cornerback Jabari Greer. "Being that we have lost two guys with the character of Kenyon and Joe, it really hurts you personally because they are good friends of mine.

"Kenyon is a strong man of faith, and I actually felt worse for him yesterday than he felt for himself. I tried to come to him real somber and he said everything is good and everything has a purpose. He really encouraged me with his mindset."

It's always tough to lose a 12-year veteran like Coleman, particularly one whose relationship with defensive coordinator Rob Ryan is well documented. Coleman spent the past four years in Ryan's system, two with the Cleveland Browns and two with the Dallas Cowboys.

Ryan's opinion of Coleman is so high he touted him as "the best run defender in football as a 3-4 end." Now, with former Cowboys linebacker Butler out also, the Saints lose the experience of players who ran in Ryan's schemes last season.

"Rob was kind of thinking of leaning on those guys as far as teaching," said safety Jim Leonhard."

Read more: Akiem Hicks expected to fill void with New Orleans Saints' Kenyon Coleman out for season | NOLA.com

Video: Akiem Hicks talks about the loss of Kenyon Coleman: video - Video | NOLA.com

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