Joe Vitt, Saints LB Coach, Tears Achilles, Breaks Wrist Chasing Car Thieves

New Orleans Saints linebackers coach Joe Vitt, 61, suffered a torn Achilles and broken wrist while chasing a man and woman who intended to steal his and his neighbor's cars at approximately 4 a.m. Saturday.

ESPN.com's Mike Triplett detailed the incident Tuesday, citing Saints spokesman Greg Bensel as the source of the information.

"He is fine. Has not missed any work," Bensel said of Vitt, per the New Orleans Advocate's Ramon Antonio Vargas.

According to Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office spokesman Col. John Fortunato, per Triplett, Vitt noticed a shadow on his front lawn when he was in his kitchen. He then walked outside to find the woman attempting to break into his neighbor's automobile. The man who accompanied her was already behind the wheel of Vitt's car, and when the coach took off after them, they fled the scene on foot. They are still at large.

While pursuing the two suspects, Vitt tripped, fell and suffered the aforementioned injuries, which required a trip to the hospital.

The Saints defeated the NFC South rival Atlanta Falcons in Week 6's Thursday night game, meaning Vitt didn't have to coach in a game when one usually would've been scheduled some 24 hours after the encounter. Next up on New Orleans' slate is a visit to the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday.