NEW ORLEANS (AP) -Saints fullback Heath Evans has a torn right knee ligament that will sideline him for the rest of the season.

Saints coach Sean Payton said Thursday that Evans was having surgery for an anterior cruciate ligament tear and would be placed on injured reserve. Payton also said the club signed fullback Kyle Eckel.

Evans has been a key blocker in the Saints' running game, which ranks third in the NFL. He also had three touchdowns, two on short receptions.

Eckel, who attended Navy, has spent time with Miami, New England and Philadelphia during three NFL seasons.

Defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis has a sprained right knee but should return later this season, though Payton did not have a timetable.