New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Bryan Bresee will miss the remainder of the season after suffering a torn right ACL, head coach Kellen Moore announced Sunday. The injury occurred during the team's first practice of training camp, marking a significant blow to the Saints' defensive line.
Bresee, a first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, sustained the non-contact injury to his right knee. This marks the second time in his career the interior lineman has torn an ACL, having previously suffered the injury to his left knee during his sophomore season at Clemson in 2021.
"It's tough," Moore told reporters. "Bryan played some really good football last year and had a great offseason."
The 6-foot-5, 300-pound defensive tackle was a key contributor for the Saints since being selected 29th overall in 2023. He has started 26 games and recorded 14.5 sacks in his career.
In April, the Saints exercised their option on Bresee's rookie contract, securing him with a fully guaranteed $13.931 million salary for the 2027 season.
Teammate Chase Young expressed his disappointment but offered a note of optimism regarding Bresee's recovery. "It's sad. I knew what year he wanted to have this year. I was excited for him," Young said. "The bright side is with ACLs now, you know you can get back."