BLAKELY, Ga. — New Orleans defensive end Charles Grant was stabbed in the neck, and a pregnant woman was shot and killed early Sunday in an altercation at a nightclub in southwest Georgia.

Grant was assaulted and had an injury to his neck, according to a statement released by Capt. Will Caudill of the Early County Sheriff’s Office. Grant was transported to Early Memorial Hospital, where he was treated and later released.

Early County Sheriff’s deputies responded to reports of a fight around 1 a.m. Sunday at a nightclub in Blakely, which is about 190 miles southwest of Atlanta.

“We’re aware of the situation and are gathering information,” New Orleans Saints spokesman Greg Bensel said. “Until we complete the process, we will have no further comment.”

In the incident, 23-year-old Korynda Reed of Blakely was shot, police said. She was transported to Southeast Alabama Medical Center in Dothan, Ala., where she died. Early County Sheriff Jimmie R. Murkerson said Reed was pregnant.

Caudill said there was no known connection between Grant and Reed.

“We believe the altercation began inside one of the nightclubs; it was taken outside. It kind of continued down the street,” Caudill said. “It appears Mr. Grant was assaulted, and shortly after several gunshots were fired.”

No arrests have been made, and the case remains under investigation.

“Charles is continuing to assist police in recounting the events that transpired in and outside of the nightclub as needed,” Grant’s attorneys said in a statement. “Most importantly, our hearts and prayers go out to the young woman’s family who is forced to endure the pain of this loss.”

A star at the University of Georgia, Grant was drafted by the Saints in the first round of the 2002 NFL draft.

Grant, a native of Colquitt, Ga., who now lives in Kenner, La., had 2½ sacks in 2007 while starting 14 games for the Saints. During his six-year career, Grant has 38½ sacks.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.