With the tight NFC race coming down to the final two weeks of the season, the New Orleans Saints (10-4) will have to go the rest of the way without the services of safety Kenny Vaccaro.

According to a tweet this afternoon from the NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Saints placed the safety on injured reserve because of nagging adductor and wrist injuries. Unfortunately for Vaccaro, both injuries are serious enough to require surgery; there's a chance he's played his final game for the Saints.

This is a big loss on defense for New Orleans as they host the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday for a rematch of Week 14's contest. Vaccaro, who has recorded 60 tackles and intercepted three passes this year for the Saints, is in the final year of his contract and will become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season. In the Saints' win over the New York Jets last Sunday, Vaccaro racked up a season-high 10 tackles.

After they mostly avoided major injuries throughout the first half of the season, the Saints' depth has been tested greatly the last few weeks as they prepare for the playoffs.

New Orleans also placed middle linebacker A.J. Klein on injured reserve due to a groin injury earlier this week, joining rookie linebacker Alex Anzalone, defensive end Alex Okafor, and cornerback Delvin Breaux.