The Saints placed linebacker and defensive captain A.J. Klein on season-ending injured reserve today, per the NFL transaction wire.

Klein suffered a groin injury in the week 14 loss to the Atlanta Falcons when New Orleans was playing on the road on a short week.

Klein, who has played well at MLB and SLB this season, is a big loss for the Saints defense.

New Orleans filled Klein's roster spot with backup tight end John Phillips, who spent time with the team last year and provides depth at a position the Saints are thin at. Tight end Coby Fleener is on injured reserve, and backup Michael Hoomanawanui suffered a concussion in last Sunday's win over the New York Jets.

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