Patriots LB Dane Fletcher tore his ACL in Thursday’s preseason game against the Saints, according to NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport.

Fletcher, a third-year pro, played in 10 games and made five starts last season. He recorded 30 tackles and forced one fumble last season. Fletcher appeared in 13 games and made 13 tackles as a rookie. He also had two passes defensed and one interception in 2010.

Fletcher, a reserve inside linebacker for New England, also contributed on special teams.