Saints Place Andrew Dowell on IR

A promising fifth-year linebacker finds himself on injured reserve after Wednesday's practice.

The Saints have placed linebacker Andrew Dowell on injured reserve, ending his season. The news came via the NFL's Transaction Report on Wednesday. The team also waived/injured offensive lineman Scott Lashley. The team signed offensive lineman Tommy Kraemer in his place, and also claimed guard Chuck Filiaga off waivers from Green Bay.

Dowell got hurt at practice, immediately coming up limping after a play in team drills. He was on the sideline for a few minutes, and then walked out of practice. Dennis Allen made is a point to check on him, and said that he had a knee injury during his daily press conference at training camp. It's unfortunate for the fifth-year linebacker, as he was making plays in practice and was a special teams standout who could have taken on more this season.

The team recently lost Trai Turner for the year due to a quad tear, and they're already down Andrus Peat due a minor quad strain. Calvin Throckmorton also left practice due to an elbow injury, so hopefully this is not a sign of things to come for New Orleans, who has to ensure they protect Derek Carr this season.