Saints Injury Report: Latest Updates on Taliese Fuaga, Devin Neal Ahead of Week 13 Matchup

As the Saints prepare for a challenging game against the Miami Dolphins, player health needs to improve -- but some good news is on the way.

Yesterday, the New Orleans Saints’ first injury report listed only four players, which at first glance seemed positive, but those names brought some concern.

Heading into a challenging game against a red-hot Miami Dolphins team, the Saints need improved health, and some good news is on the way.

Latest News on the Saints’ Injury Front

After practice yesterday, RB Alvin Kamara did not participate, while OT Taliese Fuaga, RB Devin Neal, and WR Chris Olave were limited. In today’s practice, Olave was not present after leaving early yesterday, and Fuaga was a full participant.

Without Olave, the Saints’ passing game could struggle, forcing them to lean more on the running attack. The problem is that, with Kamara and Neal injured this week, New Orleans’ already struggling run game could decline even further.

With Fuaga potentially returning to the lineup, the run blocking should improve regardless of who lines up in the backfield.

As for the passing game, this is where Fuaga’s return will be most noticeable. Since he has been out, the Saints have dealt with major issues on the right side of the offensive line heading into their Week 11 matchup against the Carolina Panthers. With Cesar Ruiz having a down season and Asim Richards filling in for Fuaga, opposing defenses were able to exploit that side.

READ MORE: Week 13 NFL Power Rankings: Eagles Fall After Loss to Cowboys, Steelers Tumble

Although the problem was less severe against the Panthers, rookie QB Tyler Shough still had to make difficult plays while under pressure from that side. The issue was fully exposed against the Atlanta Falcons. In the Week 12 loss, the Saints’ offense stalled at times, often because of the heavy pressure Atlanta generated. It seemed as though every time Shough dropped back, the right side of the line surrendered pressure.

Now, with Fuaga back, Shough can feel far more comfortable dropping back and executing the offense.

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