IRVINE — Injuries have led to a lot of concerns throughout New Orleans Saints training camp, but perhaps one of the most important ailments hit the team as they wrapped up training camp in Irvine, Calif. Rookie offensive tackle Taliese Fuaga missed the team’s final practice on the west coast with back tightness, per head coach Dennis Allen.
The first-round rookie left training camp day 17 on Thursday early when the issue first seemed to present itself. He worked off to the side with a trainer before the practice began in earnest to test things out but was not able to make it through individual drills before leaving the field.
Concerns on the offensive line have been plentiful and this situation does not help the unit’s outlook. That is at least until Allen gave another update after Friday’s practice. He made it known that fans can “sleep well at night” regarding Fuaga’s availability for Week 1.
That could mean that the former Oregon State Beaver may be back on the field soon. But even if not, he should be available for the team’s Week 1 matchup against the Carolina Panthers at the very least.
Running back Alvin Kamara missed the full week of practice leading to the weekend’s preseason matchup with the San Francisco 49ers with back tightness as well. Perhaps the Saints choose to be equally cautious with Fuaga.
Allen did say on Thursday, the day he left with injury, that if Fuaga is healthy and able to go in their preseason matchup, that he will play. Certainly, that is still a possibility. Though the cautious nature New Orleans has opted for throughout camp seems more likely.
