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Report: Saints first-rounder Sheldon Rankins breaks fibula

Saints Camp Football

New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins watches teammates during the NFL football teams training camp in White Sulphur Springs, W.Va., Monday, Aug. 15, 2016. (AP Photo/Chris Tilley)

AP

The Saints suffered a significant blow to their defensive rebuilding this morning.

According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, the early diagnosis on Saints defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins is that he suffered a broken fibula during practice today.

There was an immediate concern when the first-rounder from Louisville had to be carted off the practice field this morning, with trainers looking at his lower left leg.

But if there’s good news, it’s that it’s not immediately season-ending. He’s possibly a candidate for injured reserve/designated for return, which would allow him to return later in the season. But that doesn’t help a Saints defense which was counting on him providing some interior rush.