FB Heath Evans, who had made a big impact in the locker room and on the field as an effective blocker and receiver, was put on injured reserve with a knee injury. Evans, who injured his right knee in the fourth quarter of the Saints' 46-34 win over the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, had surgery Thursday to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament. The surgery was performed by Dr. James Andrews. Evans had three touchdowns -- two receiving and one rushing. He had 10 receptions for 70 yards and rushed for 16 yards on five carries and was also a key blocker for a running game that ranks third in the NFL in averaging 154.5 yards per game. "He's a guy that to date has really played well for us -- in the running game and passing game," Saints coach Sean Payton said. "So you never like to lose a starter." "That's tough," quarterback Drew Brees said. "Heath was not only a real productive player, but he's an awesome guy ... an awesome locker room guy. He's great for that running backs room, which is really full of some pretty young players," he added. "I think Heath was just a real good influence on everybody, just a solid guy. So you miss him for a lot of reasons." 10/29/2009

Evans has a torn right knee ligament that will sideline him for the rest of the season.
10/29/2009