Laurinaitis announced his retirement via his personal Twitter on Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

The linebacker played eight seasons in the NFL, the first seven with the Rams and last year with the Saints. Laurinaitis totaled 869 tackles (663 solo), 16.5 sacks and 10 interceptions through 117 games in his career and was the hallmark of the Rams defense for several years.

Laurinaitis (quadriceps) was released by the Saints on Thursday, Adam Schefter of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The move was expected as the Saints told the linebacker of their intentions to release him earlier in the week. Laurinaitis was placed on injured reserve about two weeks ago, but will now get a chance to sign on with a different team. In just five games with the Saints, the veteran logged 17 tackles (nine solo) and one pass deflection. If he can prove he is healthy, the linebacker could be a major boost for a team looking to strengthen their linebacking corp.

Laurinaitis (quadriceps) is scheduled to visit with a doctor this week and if ruled healthy, will be released by the Saints, Mike Garafolo of NFL.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Laurinaitis was placed on injured reserve a week and half ago after dealing with a reoccurring quadriceps aliment throughout the season. In his first season with the Saints, the linebacker recorded 17 tackles in five games but, if all goes well, will now look to join another squad in need of linebacker depth.

Laurinaitis (quadriceps) has been placed on the injured reserve, Field Yates of ESPN reports.

EDGE Analysis

Laurinaitis has been dealing with a quadriceps injury since late September, and clearly it is fairly significant, as the IR designation will end the linebacker's season. Michael Mauti will assume middle linebacker duties for the Saints, but the New Orleans run defense takes a big hit losing a player with the caliber of Laurinaitis.

Laurinaitis (quadriceps) will not play Sunday against the 49ers.

EDGE Analysis

Laurinaitis presumably sustained the injury last week against the Seahawks. He missed every practice this week and will consequently cede starting duties to Michael Mauti.

Laurinaitis (quad) is active for Sunday's game against the Panthers, Josh Katzenstein of the New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.

EDGE Analysis

Laurinaitis had been held out of the Saints' previous game in Week 4 against the Chargers, but the team's open date in the schedule last week came at a convenient time for him, as he's now been cleared to play Sunday. Expect Laurinaitis to take back his starting role at middle linebacker and challenge for the team lead in tackles.

Laurinaitis (quadriceps) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Chargers.

EDGE Analysis

With Laurinaitis unable to play, Michael Mauti is next in line to get the start at middle linebacker for the Saints.

Laurinaitis (quadriceps) is questionable to play in Week 4 against the Chargers.

EDGE Analysis

Laurinaitis was a new addition to the injury report this week. If he's unable to play, Michael Mauti projects to fill in at middle linebacker.

Laurinaitis had seven tackles (five solo) in Monday night's loss to the Falcons.

EDGE Analysis

The Falcons ran the ball 31 times, compared to only 30 passes, which gave the veteran middle linebacker plenty of opportunities to make stops. In his first three games, Laurinaitis now has 17 total tackles, including seven tackles each in Weeks 1 and 3. Playing at the heart of the Saints' defense, Laurinaitis should continue to be a solid IDP option.

Laurinaitis made seven tackles (three solo) and played all 73 defensive snaps in the Saints' season opener against the Raiders, reports the New Orleans Times-Picayune.

EDGE Analysis

Laurinaitis, who signed with the Saints this offseason, started at middle linebacker in Week 1, pushing last year's rookie starter Stephone Anthony to outside linebacker. Laurinaitis averaged nearly 130 tackles per year during his first four seasons in the league, and though his numbers have slipped some over the last few years, he still managed 109 tackles each of the last two season. Entering his eight season, the former Ohio State Buckeye has never missed a game in his career and should continue to be a solid source of tackles at the heart of the New Orleans defense.