New Orleans Saints
By Ross Jackson
As the bye week came to a close, New Orleans Saints head coach Kellen Moore spoke with the local media, providing updates around the team’s off-week process. Beyond explaining some of the results of their self-scouting efforts, Moore also provided a brief perspective on two injured players.
During the team’s Week 10 win over the Carolina Panthers, two players were ruled out. Starting right tackle Taliese Fuaga and tight end Jack Stoll.
Both players were out with high ankle injuries. Moore expects the team to watch closely over the week to see if they might be able to return to the field against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 12.
“The two guys that did not play in the game were Jack Stoll and [Taliese Fuaga] with their ankles,” Moore said Monday. “And so, we’ll see how those progress as the week goes.”
The team returns to the practice field Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, ahead of the weekend matchup. During which time, they’ll track the recovery of each player’s ailments. Stoll was at least present at practice throughout the week leading up to the game against the Panthers. Fuaga did not participate, but was seen during the first practice of that week.
Getting the starting right tackle back in particular would be a major boost for the Saints’ offensive line. He and rookie Kelvin Banks Jr. will be integral to the offensive performance going up against the Falcons’ pass rush which currently ranks No. 2 in sacks.
If Stoll isn’t able to go, expect recently acquired tight end Zaire Mitchell-Paden to continue to get some opportunities. If Fuaga needs more time before returning, it’ll be lineman Asim Richards likely filling in for him again at right tackle.
