Kenny Vaccaro Placed on IR with Adductor Injury

New Orleans Saints defensive back Kenny Vaccaro is reportedly being placed on injured reserve due to adductor and wrist injuries.

Ian Rapoport‏ of NFL Network provided the update Thursday and noted the safety will require surgery to repair both ailments.

Vaccaro missed two games with a groin injury last month. He struggled in his return to the lineup against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 12 but downplayed any potential health issues.

"Not even so much my body but just the mental side of it," he told reporters. "Anytime you miss some time it's tough. But that's not an excuse. When you get back in the lineup it's time to perform, so I definitely got that knocked off."

The 27-year-old University of Texas product appeared in each of the team's last four contests, including Sunday's 31-19 victory over the New York Jets, when he racked up a season-high 10 combined tackles.

In all, he recorded 60 tackles, seven passes defended, three interceptions and 1.5 sacks in 12 games this season.

His versatility will be difficult for New Orleans to replace. Rafael Bush should see more consistent playing time at strong safety, and P.J. Williams will likely get first crack at slot corner in nickel and dime packages during the final two regular-season games.

The Saints (10-4) return to action Sunday for a critical home game against the NFC South-rival Atlanta Falcons (9-5).