© Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

The New Orleans Saints lost another important defender in Sunday's Week 13 loss to the Detroit Lions. Malcolm Roach left the game in the second half with a knee injury. The interior defensive lineman has been one of the best run defenders on the Saints defense, a unit that has struggled at times in that area this year. 

According to Saints head coach Dennis Allen, Roach may need surgery. They'll know more later in the week most likely.

If Roach does, in fact, need surgery, it's fair to assume that he may not play again in the regular season. There's just over a month left to play.

The veteran DL has totaled 51 tackles, three tackles for loss, and three pass deflections this season on the inside for New Orleans. 

Expect an increase in playing time for Bryan Bresee and Nathan Shepherd going forward while he is out. 

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