There was one positive development on Thursday’s New Orleans Saints injury report: right tackle Taliese Fuaga (knee) participated on a limited basis after resting during Wednesday’s first practice session of the week. Fuaga was pulled the Saints’ season-opening loss to the Arizona Cardinals after it became clear his knee injury was holding him back, so it’s good to see some improvement on this front.
But that’s about all of the good news. Four other players were unable to participant on Thursday, including veteran safety Julian Blackmon, who is expected to undergo shoulder surgery and be designated to injured reserve. Starting left guard Trevor Penning (toe) and defensive end Chase Young (calf) were joined on the DNP list by long snapper Zach Wood (elbow), who was spotted at practice as an observer. Special teams coordinator Phil Galiano didn’t seem concerned about Wood’s status but did acknowledge the team has contingencies ready if he can’t go on Sunday.
Additionally, backup running back Velus Jones Jr. (knee) was limited again, and safety Jordan Howden (oblique) remained a full participant while receiving treatment.
We’re only two weeks (and one game) into the regular season, but the New Orleans offensive line has already taken a beating. Just like last year, we haven’t gotten a good look at the unit with all five starters healthy at the same time. And defensively, it’s very disappointing to see Young sidelined with an injury which he vocally downplayed to reporters. But it takes as long as it takes. It’s a long season, and hopefully the Saints can get him, Penning, and Fuaga all back to full health and into games sooner rather than later. We’ll get a better idea of who will be available against the San Francisco 49ers when the Saints release their final injury report on Friday.