New Orleans Saints rookie Sheldon Rankins will not be able to play until week 8, at the earliest.

Rankins, a rookie first round pick (12th overall) out of Louisville, was placed on injured reserve (IR) today. He broke his fibula during training camp three weeks ago.

Beginning this season, the NFL allows each team one player who can come off IR and return to the field, without having to designate which player on the IR will return. However, a player returning from IR can return to practice after six weeks at the earlier, and cannot return to a game until week 8 at the earliest.

In addition to placing Rankins on IR, the Saints waived defensive tackle Ashaad Mabry.

With two roster openings, the Saints re-signed running back Tavaris Cadet and defensive end Darryl Tapp, 48 hours after releasing them.

New Orleans opens the 2016 seasons this Sunday at home, hosting the Oakland Raiders. Kickoff at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome is set for noon.

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