Saints CB McKenzie fractures kneecap

Nov 11, 2008 - 12:56 AM METAIRE, Louisiana (Ticker) -- The New Orleans Saints' already suspect defense lost another key player.

Cornerback Mike McKenzie fractured his right kneecap in Sunday's 34-20 loss to Atlanta and will be out for the season.

Saints coach Sean Payton on Monday said McKenzie will require surgery and will be headed to the injured reserve list.

It is the second consecutive season that McKenzie has suffered a serious knee injury. He tore his ACL in the same knee last December and missed the final two games of the season.

McKenzie, 32, missed the first two games this season while rehabbing the injury. In seven games, he has 25 tackles and one interception.

The Times-Picayune reported that McKenzie will visit Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham, Alabama, this week for the official prognosis.

"The most positive thing, I'm happy I'm alive," McKenzie said. "It's only a broken knee. It could be worse."

In his 10th season in the NFL, McKenzie has 27 interceptions, including four returned for touchdowns, with the Green Bay Packers and Saints.