Saints place S Byrd on season-ending IR

Published February 05, 2015

Metairie, LA (SportsNetwork.com) - The New Orleans Saints have placed starting free safety Jairus Byrd on season-ending injured reserve after he tore his meniscus in Thursday's practice.

Byrd, one of the most highly sought after players in the 2014 free agent class, signed a six-year deal with the Saints in the offseason. The Saints had to let Malcolm Jenkins leave via free agency to sign Byrd.

The 27-year-old Byrd had 22 tackles in four starts with New Orleans (1-3).

Rafael Bush will replace Byrd in the starting lineup.

Byrd was selected with the 42nd overall pick of the 2009 NFL Draft by Buffalo, where he spent the first five seasons of his career.

The three-time Pro Bowler missed the first five games of the 2013 season with an injured foot. He appeared in the final 11 games of the season, totaling 48 tackles, four interceptions and one forced fumble. Byrd underwent back surgery earlier this offseason.

URL

https://www.foxnews.com/sports/saints-place-s-byrd-on-season-ending-ir