METAIRIE, La. -- The New Orleans Saints have ruled out two of their starting linebackers before Sunday's critical NFC showdown vs. the San Francisco 49ers.
Strongside linebacker A.J Klein (knee) and middle linebacker Kiko Alonso (thigh) were both injured during last Thursday's win at Atlanta. The timing is especially unfortunate since the 49ers have the NFL's No. 2-ranked rushing offense at 148.0 yards per game.
And since both teams are 10-2, Sunday's game could wind up determining the NFC's top seed and home-field advantage.
The Saints' run defense, meanwhile, ranks No.