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Fantasy Player Profile Khalen Saunders

  • Khalen Saunders
  • DL #
  • Khalen
    Saunders
  • AActive
  • Manager: FA
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vs. MIA: #8 vs opposing DL - 12.96 FPA

News

  • Joins Jets

    Saunders signed with the Jets on Monday, Susanna Weir of the team's official site reports.

    Analysis: Saunders spent the first half of the season with the Jaguars but was waived Thursday. He went unclaimed and then opted to join the Jets, who could use help along the defensive line after trading away Quinnen Williams.

    Published: Mon, Nov 17 at 4:21pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Hits waivers

    Saunders was waived by the Jaguars on Thursday, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

    Analysis: Saunders appeared in just two games for the Jaguars this season, recording three total tackles. The 29-year-old defensive tackle was traded to the Jaguars in August to act as a depth piece behind veteran Arik Armstead. Now that he is set to hit waivers, the seventh-year veteran will have a chance to play a reserve role again should he be signed.

    Published: Thu, Nov 13 at 10:15am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Dealt to Jacksonville

    The Saints traded Saunders to the Jaguars on Sunday, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

    Analysis: Saunders appeared in Sunday's preseason contest against Jacksonville, which ultimately ended in a tie and failed to record a stat in the game. He will now join the Jaguars' roster ahead of the 2025 campaign, likely slotting in as a top reserve option at defensive tackle behind Arik Armstead (back). It's unclear what New Orleans got in return for Saunders, but he'll now look to build off of a 2024 campaign in which he compiled 43 total tackles (18 solo), including 2.0 sacks, while also adding…read more

    Published: Sun, Aug 17 at 6:33pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Decent in injury-shortened year

    In 13 games in 2024, Saunders recorded 43 tackles (18 solo), including 2.0 sacks, and three pass breakups including an interception.

    Analysis: Saunders was easily on track to play more defensive snaps in 2024 than in his first season in New Orleans in 2023, but he was forced to miss four games due to injury. Both of his main competitors for playing time, Bryan Bresee and Nathan Shepherd, are good bets to return to the Saints in 2025 along with Saunders, so a similar role could be in store for him next year.

    Published: Wed, Jan 8 at 11:25am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Ties season high with seven tackles

    Saunders finished Sunday's 25-10 loss to the Raiders with seven tackles (three solo).

    Analysis: Saunders tied a season high with seven combined tackles and finished as the Saints' fourth-leading tackler Sunday behind Pete Werner (13), Demario Davis (13) and Will Harris (eight). Saunders is now up to 43 tackles (18 solo), including 2.0 sacks, and three pass defenses (including one interception) through 12 regular-season games. He'll look to finish the 2024 campaign off strong in the Saints' regular-season finale against the Buccaneers next Sunday.

    Published: Mon, Dec 30 at 6:55pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Snags interception in loss

    Saunders recorded seven total tackles (two solo) and also intercepted a pass and notched a pass defensed in Monday's 26-13 loss to Kansas City.

    Analysis: Saunders provided the biggest highlight of the game, picking off Patrick Mahomes in the end zone and returning it 37 yards in the third quarter. After missing the first three games of the season with a calf injury, the defensive tackle has now compiled eight total tackles (two solo), an interception and a pass defensed over the last two weeks.

    Published: Tue, Oct 8 at 5:40pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Logs full practice

    Saunders (calf) was a full participant at the Saints' practice Friday, Matthew Paras of The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.

    Analysis: Saunders appears set to make his 2024 season debut after missing the team's first three contests due to a calf injury. The defensive lineman recorded 57 total tackles (24 solo) and a pass defensed while playing in all 17 regular-season games in 2023 with New Orleans.

    Published: Fri, Sep 27 at 4:39pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Won't play Sunday

    Saunders (calf) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's matchup with the Cowboys, Mike Triplett of NewOrleans.Football reports.

    Analysis: Saunders missing Sunday's contest comes as no surprise, as the 28-year-old defensive tackle missed the Saints' entire week of practice due to a calf injury sustained at the end of August. Expect Khristian Boyd and Bryan Bresee (illness) to see more snaps with New Orleans' first-team defense while Saunders remains sidelined.

    Published: Fri, Sep 13 at 2:15pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Not playing Sunday

    Saunders (calf) is ruled out for Sunday's regular-season opener against the Panthers, John Hendrix of SI.com reports.

    Analysis: Saunders hasn't practiced in any capacity since injuring his calf in New Orleans' Aug. 25 preseason finale. His next chance to suit up will come Week 2 on the road against the Cowboys. Khristian Boyd and Bryan Bresee will stand to see increased work solidifying the interior defensive line until Saunders is recovered.

    Published: Fri, Sep 6 at 1:07pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Still absent Thursday

    Saunders (calf) remained sidelined for Thursday's practice.

    Analysis: Saunders was injured in New Orleans' Aug. 25 preseason finale and was given a timetable for recovery of a "couple weeks." Bryan Bresee and Khristian Boyd are next up for reps alongside Nathan Shepherd if Saunders is unable to play against Carolina this Sunday.

    Published: Thu, Sep 5 at 12:51pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Dealing with calf injury

    Saunders (calf) is expected to be sidelined for a "couple weeks," Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football reports.

    Analysis: Saunders was injured in the Saints' preseason finale against the Titans this past weekend. The 28-year-old started all 17 games for New Orleans last season, finishing with a career-best 57 tackles (24 solo) and one pass deflection. Bryan Bresee, a 2023 first-round pick, and rookie sixth-rounder Khristian Boyd will be tasked with elevated reps while Saunders is out.

    Published: Tue, Aug 27 at 10:30am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Nursing calf injury

    Saunders sustained a calf injury during the Saints' 30-27 preseason loss to the Titans on Sunday, Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football reports.

    Analysis: Saunders will undergo further testing to evaluate the severity of his calf injury. The results of those tests will determine his availability for the Saints' regular-season opener against the Panthers on Sept. 8. Saunders is slated to start on the defensive line alongside Cameron Jordan, Nathan Shepherd and Carl Granderson.

    Published: Sun, Aug 25 at 2:37pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Enjoys career-best campaign

    Saunders logged 57 tackles and one pass defended across 17 games during the 2023 campaign.

    Analysis: Saunders played a career-high 500 defensive snaps in 2023 after joining the Saints on a three-year, $12.3 million deal in March. The former Chiefs defensive tackle went on to eclipse his previous career high for tackles set during his 2022 campaign in Kansas City; however, he failed to wrangle a sack for New Orleans after logging 3.5 last season. Saunders will look to maintain a primary role at defensive tackle alongside Nathan Shepherd and Bryan Bresee heading into the 2024 campaign.

    Published: Thu, Jan 18 at 7:32pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Clears concussion protocol

    Saunders (concussion) is available for Sunday's game versus the Falcons.

    Analysis: Saunders was trending in this direction after practicing in full during Friday's session. Look for the defensive tackle to take on his usual responsibilities assuming he avoids any setbacks.

    Published: Sun, Jan 7 at 9:11am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Questionable with concussion

    Saunders (concussion) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game versus the Falcons, Mike Triplett of NewOrleans.Football reports.

    Analysis: Saunders was a full participant at practice Friday, but there could still be outstanding steps for him to clear league concussion protocol. If he's not able to do so before Sunday, rookie first-rounder Bryan Bresee would probably start in his place.

    Published: Fri, Jan 5 at 1:06pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Practices Thursday

    Saunders (concussion) was a limited participant in practice Thursday after missing Wednesday's session.

    Analysis: It's a step in the right direction for the starting defensive tackle ahead of Sunday's matchup with the Falcons. Saunders has yet to miss a game this season. The fifth-year pro has 54 tackles and a pass defensed in 2023.

    Published: Thu, Jan 4 at 5:54pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Misses practice Wednesday

    Saunders (concussion) did not participate at the Saints' practice Wednesday.

    Analysis: Saunders popped up on the injury report to open the week with a concussion, putting his status in question for Sunday's crucial matchup with the Falcons in question. The defensive lineman now faces an uphill battle of clearing concussion protocol ahead of Week 18.

    Published: Wed, Jan 3 at 4:31pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Practices fully

    Saunders (illness) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice, John Hendrix of the Saints News Network reports.

    Analysis: The defensive tackle had been absent from training camp since exiting a practice last Thursday with an illness. Saunders landed a three-year, $14.5 million contract in the offseason after making 48 tackles in a backup role for the Super Bowl-champion Chiefs last year. The fifth-year pro is expected to start for New Orleans, assuming he stays healthy.

    Published: Thu, Aug 3 at 2:55pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Leaves practice early

    Saunders left practice Thursday with an illness, Luke Johnson of The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.

    Analysis: Saunders had a breakout season in 2022, which he'll be working to build upon as soon as he can get himself healthy again. For now, his absence should open up opportunities for the defensive lineman further down the depth chart during practice.

    Published: Thu, Jul 27 at 9:10am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Inks deal with Saints

    The Saints and Saunders agreed to terms Wednesday on a three-year contract, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

    Analysis: Selected 84th overall in the third round of the 2019 Draft, Saunders appeared in 38 games across four years with the Chiefs and had a career season in 2022 as a rotational lineman. Saunders recorded 3.5 sacks for the Super Bowl champs and will now go to New Orleans to help fill the voids left at defensive tackle by the departures of David Onyemata and Shy Tuttle.

    Published: Wed, Mar 15 at 10:10am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Career-best campaign in 2022

    Saunders tallied a career-high 48 tackles (22 solo) and 3.5 sacks during the 2022 regular season.

    Analysis: Saunders' was operating in a contract year in 2022 and produced a career-best campaign at the right time. It remains to be seen where he will suit up in 2023, but he should be able to secure a roster spot somewhere in the league.

    Published: Fri, Mar 10 at 11:39am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Full participant at practice

    Saunders logged a full workload at the Chiefs' Wednesday practice.

    Analysis: Saunders is coming off a one-game absence due to an illness, but it looks like he is over the issue. He appears on track to take on his usual role at defensive tackle assuming his health remains up to par throughout the week.

    Published: Wed, Dec 28 at 4:14pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Officially sitting out Saturday

    Saunders (illness) will not be available for Saturday's game against the Seahawks.

    Analysis: Saunders will miss his first game of the year after failing to practice Week 16 due to an illness. The 26-year-old has recorded 43 tackles, 2.5 sacks and one pass defended while playing a prominent role alongside star defensive tackle Chris Jones this season. With Saunders sidelined, Derrick Nnadi and Brandon Williams will likely see increased usage against Seattle.

    Published: Sat, Dec 24 at 9:10am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Doubtful to play Week 16

    Saunders (illness) is considered doubtful to take the field against Seattle on Saturday.

    Analysis: Saunders missed all three practices this week due to a illness, putting his availability Saturday in serious doubt. The fourth-year pro played half of the Chiefs' defensive snaps for the first time this season last week against Houston, and his playing time could be absorbed by Brandon Williams if he's unable to go Saturday.

    Published: Thu, Dec 22 at 6:20pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Leading tackler Sunday

    Saunders logged six tackles (three solo) and one sack in Sunday's 20-17 overtime win versus Tennessee.

    Analysis: Saunders led the Chiefs in tackles despite playing just 18 defensive snaps against the Titans. The rotational defensive lineman also sacked quarterback Malik Willis for a 12-yard loss in overtime, marking his second tackle on Tennessee's final drive of the game. Saunders has now recorded more than three tackles just twice this season, so he'll likely see his production come back down to earth this Sunday against the Jaguars.

    Published: Tue, Nov 8 at 7:02pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Good to go for AFC Championship

    Saunders (undisclosed) doesn't carry an injury designation heading into Sunday's game against the Bengals.

    Analysis: Saunders was activated from injured reserve Tuesday and wasn't on the injury report all week, so he is expected to be active for the first time since Week 7. The backup defensive tackle played double-digit defensive snaps in all seven appearances this season, but he recorded at least one tackle in just three of those games. It's unclear how much playing time he will get against the Bengals.

    Published: Fri, Jan 28 at 1:20pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Activated from injured reserve

    Saunders (undisclosed) was activated from injured reserve Tuesday, Aaron Wilson of Pro Football Network reports.

    Analysis: Saunders was designated to return Jan. 4, so he was activated on the last day before his 21-day window expired. He hasn't played since Week 7, and his status for the AFC Championship Game is uncertain. Kansas City's practice report this week will give a better indication as to whether or not the team expects the 2019 third-round pick to be available Sunday.

    Published: Tue, Jan 25 at 2:00pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Designated for return from IR

    Saunders (undisclosed) was designated to return from IR on Tuesday, Pete Sweeney of ArrowheadPride.com reports.

    Analysis: Saunders was placed on IR on Nov. 30 and hasn't played since Week 7 against the Titans. Now that he's been designated to return, he can practice with the team again. He'll work to prove he's healthy enough to return Saturday against the Broncos.

    Published: Tue, Jan 4 at 7:06pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Placed on injured reserve

    Saunders (undisclosed) was placed on injured reserve Tuesday, Herbie Teope of The Kansas City Star reports.

    Analysis: Saunders has missed time this season with a knee injury, but it's not yet known if that's why he was placed on IR. He last took the field in Week 7 against Tennessee and will be eligible to return for Week 16 against the Steelers.

    Published: Tue, Nov 30 at 5:25pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Off injury report

    Saunders (knee) wasn't listed on the Chiefs' injury report Wednesday.

    Analysis: Saunders was unable to suit up for the Chiefs the past two weeks. The defensive tackle was able to practice fully and is no longer on the injury report, which could indicate that he'll be able to play in Week 10. Expect Derrick Nnadi to continue to see increased snaps until Saunders is able to play again.

    Published: Wed, Nov 10 at 4:43pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Not playing against Green Bay

    Saunders (knee) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Packers, Adam Teicher of ESPN.com reports.

    Analysis: Saunders sat out Monday's win over the Giants, and while he could have played after logging a full practice Wednesday, he might have suffered a setback and won't play in this matchup. Saunders' next chance to play will come Nov. 14 at Las Vegas.

    Published: Sun, Nov 7 at 12:13pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Practices in full

    Saunders (knee) was a full participant at Wednesday's practice.

    Analysis: Saunders sat out Monday's win over the Giants with the knee injury, but he was able to practice with no limitations just two days later. The 25-year-old has filled a rotational role on the interior defensive line for Kansas City when healthy.

    Published: Thu, Nov 4 at 12:17am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Won't play Monday night

    Saunders (knee) has been ruled out for Monday's contest against the Giants, Herbie Teope of The Kansas City Star reports.

    Analysis: Saunders recorded a season-high four tackles against the Titans during Week 7, but he appears to have picked up a knee injury that will sideline him for at least one week. Tershawn Wharton will likely see an uptick in snaps with Saunders out for the Chiefs' Week 8 matchup with the Giants.

    Published: Sun, Oct 31 at 8:21am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Returns from injured reserve

    Saunders (elbow) was activated from injured reserve Saturday, Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle reports.

    Analysis: The 24-year-old has been sidelined since suffering the dislocated elbow in the season opener, but he's back in time for Week 7. Saunders filled a rotational role with 22 tackles and one sack last season and figures to be used similarly in 2020 now that's he's healthy.

    Published: Sat, Oct 24 at 8:20pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Nearing return to action

    The Chiefs designated Saunders (elbow) to return from injured reserve Wednesday, Charles Goldman of USA Today reports.

    Analysis: Saunders has resided on IR since Sept. 19 due to a dislocated elbow but he appears to be nearing a return. The Western Illinois product could return as early as Sunday's game against Denver, but once he returns to the team, it will likely be in more of a depth role at defensive tackle.

    Published: Wed, Oct 21 at 5:06pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Placed on IR

    The Chiefs placed Saunders (elbow) on injured reserve Saturday.

    Analysis: Saunders is expected to be sidelined for a month due to a dislocated elbow, so this decision was inevitable. He will be available to return from IR after three weeks. While he is sidelined, look for Tershawn Wharton to see an uptick in defensive snaps.

    Published: Sat, Sep 19 at 10:43am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Expected to miss a month

    The Chiefs expect Saunders to be out a month as he works to recover from a dislocated elbow, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

    Analysis: Saunders suffered the injury during Kansas City's season-opening win over the Texans. The second-year pro avoided any fractures and won't need surgery, so he shouldn't face many additional hurdles as he works toward a mid-October return. In the meantime, Tershawn Wharton stands to handle increased defensive snaps.

    Published: Wed, Sep 16 at 9:46am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Dislocates elbow Thursday

    Saunders dislocated his elbow during Thursday's game against the Texans, Adam Teicher of ESPN.com reports.

    Analysis: Saunders exited the game in the first quarter and did not return. Even with a 10-day recovery period prior to Week 2, it would not be surprising to see the defensive tackle miss some additional time, in which case Tershawn Wharton should see additional snaps behind starters Chris Jones and Derrick Nnadi.

    Published: Thu, Sep 10 at 8:53pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Done for night

    Saunders (elbow) is out for the remainder Thursday's game against the Texans.

    Analysis: Saunders appeared to suffer a serious arm injury in the first quarter, laying on the ground in pain. The good news for Saunders is that he'll have 10 days to recover before Week 2. As long as Saunders is out, Tershawn Wharton should be in line for an uptick in depth snaps.

    Published: Thu, Sep 10 at 6:14pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Suffers injury Week 1

    Saunders left Thursday's game against the Texans with an arm injury, Nate Taylor of The Athletic reports.

    Analysis: Saunders suffered what initially appears to be a serious injury, as he left the field holding his arm in obvious pain. The Western Illinois product headed back to the locker room for further evaluation.. As long as Saunders is out, Tershawn Wharton could be in line for an uptick in depth snaps.

    Published: Thu, Sep 10 at 6:04pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Reserve role in 2019

    Saunders notched 22 tackles (13 solo), one sack and one defended pass across 12 regular-season contests in 2019.

    Analysis: Saunders also had three tackles across three postseason appearances. After sitting out the first four contests of the regular season, the Western Illinois product managed to carve out a consistent depth role behind Chris Jones and Derrick Nnadi in the middle of Kansas City's defensive line. He'll now work to further his development over the offseason.

    Published: Fri, Feb 21 at 8:10am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
More news and analysis available at NFL.com
2025 Fantasy Stats
  TacklesTurnoverFantasy
WkOppTotSckIntFrc FumFum RecPts
1PIT,
L 32-34
-----1.00
2BUF,
L 10-30
-----0.00
3@TB,
L 27-29
-----0.00
4@MIA,
L 21-27
-----0.00
5DAL,
L 22-37
-----0.00
6DEN,
L 11-13
-----0.00
7CAR,
L 6-13
-----0.00
8@CIN,
W 39-38
-----0.00
9Bye-----0.00
10CLE,
W 27-20
-----0.50
11@NE,
L 14-27
-----0.00
12@BAL,
L 10-23
-----0.00
13ATL,
W 27-24
-----0.00
14MIA,
L 10-34
1----0.00
15@JAX,
Sun 10:00 amGet Tickets
-----0.00
16@NO,
Sun 10:00 amGet Tickets
-----0.00
17NE,
Sun 10:00 amGet Tickets
-----0.00
18@BUF,
TBDGet Tickets
-----0.00
NFL Fantasy

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Khalen Saunders
DL # NYJ | Manager: FA
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