With their season spiraling downward, the 5-8 New Orleans Saints placed two key players on injured reserve.

Starting safety Malcolm Jenkins (pictured) was put on IR yesterday due to a hamstring injury he suffered in the opening quarter of last week's loss to the New York Giants.

Backup right tackle Charles Brown, who started in 3 victories for the Saints this season, has also been placed on IR. Brown sustained a knee injury late in the second quarter in a win against the Oakland Raiders four weeks ago.

Isa Abdul-Quddus will start today against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at free safety in replacement of Jenkins.

Replacing Jenkins and Brown on the active roster are safety Jerico Nelson (Louisiana native and Destrehan alum), and guard Ricky Henry. Henry has spent the entire season (until now) on the Saints practice squad.

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