Former Kansas running back Devin Neal will miss his entire second NFL season after suffering a setback with a hamstring injury.

The New Orleans Saints placed Neal on injured reserve while finalizing their initial 53-man roster Sunday. Neal did not receive a designation to return, meaning he will be sidelined for the entirety of the 2026 season.

The injury brings an early end to what could have been an important second season for the former Jayhawk.

Neal had dealt with a hamstring issue throughout August before aggravating the injury during New Orleans' preseason loss to the Los Angeles Rams. His absence adds another setback for a Saints running back room that dealt with multiple injuries throughout the summer.

New Orleans selected Neal in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft following his standout career at Kansas.

The Lawrence native appeared in 16 games during his rookie season with the Saints and rushed for 206 yards and two touchdowns while averaging 3.6 yards per carry.

Neal entered his second NFL training camp with an opportunity to compete for an expanded role in New Orleans' backfield. Instead, his focus will shift toward recovering and preparing for a return in 2027.

His injury is also disappointing news for Kansas fans who followed Neal throughout his career in Lawrence. Neal developed into one of the key players of the Lance Leipold era before making the jump to the NFL.

Now, the former Jayhawk will have to wait another year for his opportunity to build on the promising start to his professional career.

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