Sources: Saints' Bryan Bresee feared to have torn ACL

Saints defensive tackle Bryan Bresee is feared to have torn his ACL during the first practice of training camp on Wednesday, according to reporting by ESPN and NFL Network. The injury, if confirmed, would sideline the 24-year-old for the remainder of the 2026 season.

Bresee was working with the first unit in 11-on-11 drills at the Saints' Metairie facility when the injury occurred, per the reporting. The team is conducting further testing to determine the full extent of the damage.

Bresee was selected in the first round of the 2023 draft and has appeared in 26 games for New Orleans, including 15 starts last season. The Saints recently exercised his fifth-year option, worth $13.9 million, signaling their commitment to him as a cornerstone of the defensive line.

Bresee previously tore his left ACL early in his 2021 season at Clemson. Open questions remain about whether the current injury is to his right knee or a recurrence on his left knee, as sources have not specified which knee was affected in the first practice.

The injury arrives on the first day of camp, forcing the Saints to immediately recalibrate their interior defensive line depth and structure moving into the season.

The Bottom Line: Bresee's status will become clearer once further testing is complete. Watch for Saints announcements on a timeline for recovery and how the team addresses the gap in their defensive tackle rotation while he is sidelined.