A circular surgical stapling device includes a reload assembly that is supported on a distal end of an elongate shaft of the stapling device. The reload assembly includes a housing, a pusher assembly movably supported within the housing, a knife carrier movably supported within the pusher assembly, and an annular knife supported on the knife carrier. The elongate body includes a pusher drive member and a knife carrier pusher. The knife carrier includes first engagement structure that is configured to releasably engage second engagement structure formed on the knife carrier pusher to releasably couple the knife carrier pusher to the knife carrier. A reload insert or member is supported on or integrally formed with the housing of the reload assembly. The reload member includes a first portion configured to prevent separation of the first and second engagement structures and a second portion configured to accommodate separation of the first and second engagement structures. The reload member minimizes the likelihood of premature disengagement of the knife carrier from the knife carrier pusher while minimizing the force required to effect separation after the knife has been fully retracted into the housing.
