The New Orleans Saints have been dealt an injury blow after tight end Jimmy Graham was injured during their contest with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Graham, who has partnered so well with quarterback Drew Bees in recent times, left the field during the game's second quarter with a knock to his right shoulder.

The player was taken into the dressing rooms for an X-ray, but did not return to the pitch to take part in the rest of the game.

Prior to the injury, Graham had caught two passes for 36 yards in the contest.