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Saints defensive tackle Bryan Bresee injures knee in opening camp practice

METAIRIE, La. (AP) — New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Bryan Bresee left the opening practice of training camp with a non-contact knee injury that “doesn’t look good,” coach Kellen Moore said Wednesday night.

“No one kind of ran into each other, no one fell on anyone. It was just kind of a goofy deal where obviously something unfortunately happened,” Moore said during an interview on WWL radio in New Orleans. “It’s a tough one.”

The severity of the injury to Bresee, a first-round draft choice out of Clemson in 2023, was not initially apparent on the field, Moore said.

“It took a little bit I think for him to realize what it felt like,” Moore said. “It felt like a little bit of something and then once they checked it out — obviously, we’ll continue to finalize all that — but it doesn’t look great.”

Injuries to knee ligaments can be season-ending, but the Saints have yet to confirm the extent of Bresee’s injury.

Bresee has missed just two of the first 51 games of his career, during which he’s had 14 1/2 sacks. He also has blocked two field goal attempts.

His absence, if prolonged, could hasten the Saints’ reliance on rookie interior defensive linemen Christen Miller second-round draft choice out of Georgia, and Vernon Broughton, a 2025 third-round draft choice out of Texas who spent his rookie season on injured reserve.

“We obviously have to have other guys presented opportunities and certainly those guys will have to take advantage of that,” Moore said. “Bryan will do everything he can to recover and come back as strong as he possibly can.”

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AP NFL: https://apnews.com/NFL

Former Chargers linebacker Billy Ray Smith Jr. dies at 64, family announces

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Former San Diego Chargers linebacker and college football hall of famer Billy Ray Smith Jr. has died. He was 64. Smith's family said in a statement Wednesday that Smith died following a bout with CTE-caused dementia. “It is with profound sadness that we share the loss of our beloved Billy Ray Smith Jr., who passed away peacefully surrounded by family,” the statement said. “Billy Ray faced his long journey with dementia caused by CTE with unmatched bravery, dignity, and strength. Billy Ray brought so much joy, light, and laughter to the world as a devoted father, husband, son, and loyal friend." Smith played 10 seasons with the Chargers after being drafted with the No. 5 overall pick of the 1983 NFL draft out of Arkansas. He was named to the Chargers' 50th anniversary team after racking up 15 career interceptions, 14 fumble recoveries and 13 forced fumbles.
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