Last week, the New Orleans Saints were significantly weakened against a also weakened Tampa Bay Buccaneers team. Still, due to the rest of the roster being less talented than the Buccanerrs’, it was going to be extremely difficult to defeat their division rival, but somehow, they got it done.
Many of the injured players thankfully had backup options that stepped up, but it would be risky to rely upon that moving forward. So, let’s see if the Saints were able to get some injury luck on their side this week.
First Injury Report of the Week
For the last game, New Orleans was without OT Taliese Fuaga, RB Alvin Kamara, and S Justin Reid against the Buccaneers. It would be great if the Saints could acquire those three players for Week 15, but that is unlikely, except for one player.
In today’s injury report, Kamara, Reid, and OT Asim Richards (who was the starter in Fuaga’s spot) did not practice. Fuaga, RB Devin Neal, and EDGE Chris Rumph were limited today.
Wednesday’s #Saints and Panthers injury report pic.twitter.com/A76dCEwiVg
— Tina Howell (@TinaM_Howell) December 10, 2025
The Saints May Be Getting Back Their Star RT
One of the most significant issues facing Tampa Bay was the Saints’ right side of the offensive line.
Already, New Orleans has been dealing with RG Cesar Ruiz’s worrisome play all season. His overall ranking among all guards this season is #43 in PFSN’s Player OL Impact Metric, which is nowhere near good enough to be the starter. So, adding that having to play Richards, who struggled as a starter, was a recipe for disaster.
Fuaga still may not play this week, but if he does, the Saints would feel much better about the right side of the offensive line and the entire offense. QB Tyler Shough has been able to overcome pressure really well this season, but having Fuaga come in and secure that side a bit more, Shough can play even better.
It should also be noted that New Orleans should not rush the star offensive lineman back. If there is any hint that Fuaga is injured, he should not play.