Fuaga, Holker Among Notable Absences For Saints

By Ross Jackson

Ahead of their second preseason game, the weekly “who’s who” attendance check is in for the New Orleans Saints. Per several reports, many of the team’s starters that have been battling injury are unsurprisingly not suited up. Running back Alvin Kamara, linebackers Demario Davis and Pete Werner and cornerbacks Marshon Lattimore and Paulson Adebo are in that number. No surprises there. 

However, two names do stand out. The first is rookie offensive tackle Taliese Fuaga. The first-round pick was dealing with back tightness throughout the week which kept him from participating in the final two practices of the week. 

Head coach Dennis Allen did say that if Fuaga was healthy Sunday, that he would play. However, it looks like he was not able to get fully healthy in time. He will be an important name to watch in next week’s practices ahead of their final exhibition matchup with the Tennessee Titans. 

In his place against the San Francisco 49ers will be offensive lineman Landon Young. The team leaned on Young during Fuaga’s absences in practices as well. 

The second name, and slightly more surprising, is undrafted rookie tight end Dallin Holker. The former Colorado State Ram has impressed all summer long and did not miss practices ahead of this game. His absence, unlike Fuaga’s, is slightly more surprising. Per WWL Radio’s Jeff Nowak, the tight end tweaked something during warm-ups leading to his absence. 

Without Holker, starting tight end Juwan Johnson and second-year player Michael Jacobson, the team will only carry three healthy players at the position on Sunday– Foster Moreau, Kevin Radar and Mason Fairchild. Though do-it-all weapon Taysom Hill could contribute to the position as well in the early goings. 

A good piece of news availability-wise comes from the wide receiver room. Wideout A.T. Perry, who reeled in an impressive 58-yard catch last week, missed time with an ankle injury throughout the week in Irvine, Calif. However, he is suited up and looks ready to take the field for this matchup. 

The wide receiver room has been highly competitive of late. Especially for those looking to snag a roster spot behind the starts at the position Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed. Another impressive performance could go a long way for the second-year wideout.