Saints defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins suffered what's believed to be a torn Achilles tendon in Sunday's game against the Eagles, NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reported .
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The third-year player went down in the first quarter of the divisional playoff game and left the field on a cart.
It’s getting worse for the Saints. Sheldon Rankins is down pic.twitter.com/WnGPyWnI45
— SB Nation NFL (@SBNationNFL) January 13, 2019
Rankins, the Saints first-round pick (No. 12 overall) in 2016, has been a huge presence inside for the defense. According to NFL Next Gen stats, the Saints' defense has yielded 5.2 yards per play with him on the field this season and 5.8 yards when he's off the field.
Sheldon Rankins' impact on the Saints defense has been undeniable. When Rankins was on the field, the Saints generated pressure at a significantly higher rate.
— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) January 13, 2019
Per @MikeGarafolo , Rankins is believed to have suffered a torn Achilles. #PHIvsNO pic.twitter.com/C8bvuRKWd4
Rankins has four sacks and 20 tackles in nine games this season.