Saints DT Nick Fairley Being Checked For Heart Condition, Could Jeopardize His Career

Update:

Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports that the heart condition being checked out regarding Saints DT Nick Fairley is the same condition that came up during his pre-draft physical.

Rapoport adds that Fairley was seen by a doctor who asked for full tests and he complied. As of now, there’s nothing final to report and Rapoport notes that Fairley played seven years with the heart condition.

A source tells Josina Anderson of ESPN that “a decision was made to further evaluate his condition and to recertify his health moving forward.”

Anderson’s source added that there will be more discussions regarding Fairley’s overall health in the near future.

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Jennifer Hale of FOX Sports reports that Saints DT Nick Fairley has been absent from the team’s OTA practices because of medical issues.

• According to Hale, tests on Fairly show that he’s dealing with heart trouble that could jeopardize his NFL career.
• Nick Underhill is also hearing something along these lines in regards to Fairley and his absence.
• Mike Garafolo adds that teammates who have spoken with Fairley regularly haven’t been able to get a hold of him.

It sounds like this is a potentially serious situation for Fairley and we’re hoping for some good news regarding his health.

Fairley is one of the Saints best defensive players and just signed a new extension with the team a few months ago. If Fairley is unable to continue his career, it would obviously be a big loss for New Orleans and their defensive line unit.

Fairley, 29, is a former first-round pick of the Lions back in 2011. He played out his rookie contract in Detroit before signing on a one-year, prove-it deal with the Rams in 2015.

Last year, the Saints signed Fairley to another one-year contract before they agreed to four-year, $28 million contract that included $14 million guaranteed this past March.

In 2016, Fairley appeared in all 16 games for the Saints and recorded 43 tackles and 6.5 sacks. Pro Football Focus has him rated as the No. 34 interior defensive lineman out of 127 qualifying players.

We’ll have more regarding Fairley and his health as the news is available.