Leigh Torrence Joins New Orleans Saints; Mike McKenzie Heads to IR

Saints starting cornerback Mike McKenzie has been placed on Injured Reserve and is out for the season.

McKenzie fractured his right knee cap attempting a tackle during Sunday's loss to the Atlanta Falcons, the same knee that was surgically repaired last December after he tore his ACL. McKenzie will undergo surgery later this week.

Cornerback Leigh Torrence will take his place on the roster, whom the Saints claimed off of waivers Tuesday. Torrence was waived by the Washington Redskins to make room for newly acquired veteran DeAngelo Hall.

Torrence, a three-year pro, was mainly used as a fourth cornerback on defense and a special-teams contributor with the Washington Redskins. He has appeared in nine games this season, recording nine tackles on defense and 11 on special teams.

His impact on a struggling Saints secondary is yet to be seen. Torrence was considered an up-and-coming talent and several Redskins players have voiced their frustrations with his release.

At least for now it appears that Coach Payton is willing to give the young Leigh Torrence the starting nod over Jason David and Usama Young. David has struggled mightily since his arrival from the Colts in 2006 and Young has yet to prove himself a reliable starter.

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