The New Orleans Saints are looking to bounce back after a disappointing game against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 12.
Going into that matchup, the glaring concern was pass protection against the Falcons’ pass rush. With OT Taliese Fuaga on the injury report all week, the Saints needed the best-case scenario to unfold. Instead, Fuaga was ruled out just before kickoff, and the right side of the offensive line struggled, creating several problems.
Getting healthy before Week 13 is critical, but the latest injury report suggests the opposite.
The First Injury Report of the Week
Starting with the positive, the Saints have fewer players on the injury report this week. The negative is who appears on it. RB Alvin Kamara did not practice as the team continues to assess the severity of the injury he suffered during Sunday’s game. Fuaga, RB Devin Neal, and WR Chris Olave were all limited.
Wednesday’s #Saints’ injury report: pic.twitter.com/NedfhrMulK
— Ross Jackson (@RossJacksonNOLA) November 26, 2025
Players like Fuaga and Kamara were expected to appear on the report, but Olave’s addition created another level of concern for New Orleans. The Saints are already without Rashid Shaheed, who was traded, and Brandin Cooks, who was released, leaving a depth issue at wide receiver. Mason Tipton and Devaughn Vele performed well last game, but not well enough for the team to feel fully comfortable moving forward.
The Saints’ passing game would take a significant hit if Olave is unavailable Sunday. He is the team’s top receiver and a primary target for QB Tyler Shough. Without him, the offense becomes weaker, and Shough would need to rely on receivers who may struggle to create separation.
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If the standout receiver does not play against the Miami Dolphins, the Saints may lean heavily on the run game. According to PFSN’s Defensive Impact Metric, Miami’s defense ranks 27th overall, and its run defense may be its biggest vulnerability. New Orleans has a chance to produce on the ground and may need to if Olave is out.
However, with both Neal and Kamara on the injury report, even that plan becomes more difficult.