Saints place Sheldon Rankins on PUP list

As expected, Sheldon Rankins is not ready for training camp.

The Saints have placed the veteran defensive tackle on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, according to the NFL’s official transactions report Tuesday.

Rankins, who tore his Achilles on Jan. 13 in the NFL Divisional Playoffs, was not expected to have reached a point in his rehab where he is ready to practice. The move keeps an extra roster spot open for the Saints.

It would be no surprise either if Rankins is not ready for the start of the regular season. The 25-year old had 40 tackles and eight sacks last season, his third in the league. Rankins is under contract for the next two seasons.