Another day of practice is complete, bringing the New Orleans Saints one step closer to their first matchup of the season against the Atlanta Falcons.
Health has been a key storyline leading into the game, particularly due to injuries affecting the Falcons’ defense. However, on the Saints’ side, circumstances appear to be more favorable.
How the Saints Injury Report Changed From Yesterday’s Practice
After today’s practice, there were two changes: one expected and one unexpected but positive. With the injury designations unchanged, RB Alvin Kamara is still limited; WR Chris Olave, TE Jack Stoll, and OT Barry Wesley were all full participants; and Brandin Cooks did not practice (because he was released, although it has not become official yet).
The two differences are that DT Davon Godchaux did not practice because it was his typical rest day, and OT Taliese Fuaga returned to practice for the first time this week.
Saints-Falcons Thursday practice report pic.twitter.com/JrWQVmPot9
— Mike Triplett (@MikeTriplett) November 20, 2025
What It Means To Have Taliese Fuaga Back at Practice
On Thursday, we noted that the potential absence of Fuaga for Sunday’s game would pose a significant challenge. Now, with Fuaga having returned to practice, there is a realistic possibility he could be available. However, his status remains uncertain, and the Saints would be wise to avoid rushing him back prematurely. The team is already adjusting to the sudden retirement of right tackle Ryan Ramczyk, who stepped away due to recurring injuries that had progressively worsened.
Rushing Fuaga back is a major risk and could hurt the future even if it might help the present, but the Saints do need him on Sunday. If there is no risk of making the injury worse, Fuaga can do wonders for this offensive line. Yes, the Saints beat the Carolina Panthers without their young star RT, but that was against a struggling pass rush. Asim Richards did not handle the pressure well, and rookie QB Tyler Shough faced too much pressure.
The Falcons’ pass rush is much better than the Panthers’, so having Fuaga is extremely important to help the Saints win this divisional matchup. Without him, there is some doubt.
