A circular stapler (10) is disclosed. The circular stapler comprises a handle assembly (20), an elongate body (30) and a cartridge assembly (110). The elongate body extends from the handle assembly and defines a longitudinal axis. The cartridge assembly is disposed adjacent a distal end of the elongate body. The cartridge assembly includes a pusher assembly (530) and a knife assembly (400). The pusher assembly is movable to cause staples to be ejected from the cartridge assembly. The knife assembly is selectively movable relative to the pusher assembly to distally translate a knife (440). A knife carrier (420) of the knife assembly includes at least one latch (426) thereon. The at least one latch is configured to contact an engagement surface of the pusher assembly in response to movement between the knife carrier and the pusher assembly. The at least one latch is prevented from distally translating beyond the engagement surface.
