The New Orleans Saints placed linebacker A.J. Klein on injured reserve Tuesday due to a groin injury.
Klein, who is in his first season with the Saints, missed last Sunday's game against the New York Jets after being injured against the Atlanta Falcons on Dec. 7.
Klein, 26, had 54 tackles, two sacks and one forced fumbles in 12 games. The tackle output is one shy of his career high set in 2015 when he was a member of the Carolina Panthers.
Either Manti Te'o or Craig Robertson will slide into Klein's starting strong-side linebacker spot.
New Orleans filled the roster opening by re-signing tight end John Phillips, who has been primarily a special teams performer in his eight NFL seasons, including an eight-game stint with the Saints last season.
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