The New Orleans Saints have a tall task ahead when they head up to Buffalo this week for a matchup with the heavily-favored Bills, but they will be getting a boost in the trenches as they hunt for the upset.
Neither Taliese Fuaga (knee/back) or Trevor Penning (toe) were listed with gameday designations on the final injury report, indicating they are expected to play. Penning has been a full participant in all three practices for the first time since departing with an injury in the preseason opener. Fuaga was limited on Wednesday after missing Week 3, but he was a full participant in each of the final two days.
"Obviously we haven't had that group for most of this last month and a half or so, and so I'm excited to see those guys play, get them some continuity get playing," Head coach Kellen Moore said. "We've had a couple of guys step up and done a really good job, but certainly this is a group that we feel can progress in a really high way and progress together."
The Saints did rule out backup Dillon Radunz (toe) after he missed all three practices for the second consecutive week. UDFA Torricelli Simpkins III would be the backup if needed. DE Chase Young (calf) has also been ruled out for the fourth consecutive game, while WR Devaughn Vele (hip) was listed as questionable.
Here's how the injury report broke down on Friday:
LP = limited participation; FP = full participation; DNP = did not participate
- OL Dillon Radunz (toe): DNP | DNP | DNP - out
- DE Chase Young (calf): DNP | DNP | DNP - out
- OT Taliese Fuaga (knee/back): LP | FP | FP
- WR Trey Palmer (hamstring): LP | LP | FP
- WR Devaughn Vele (hip): LP | LP | LP - questionable
- DE Cam Jordan (groin): FP | FP | FP
- Trevor Penning (toe): FP | FP | FP
The lone change on Friday was WR Trey Palmer being upgraded to a full participant. He has yet to be active for a game since being claimed on waivers ahead of the regular season.
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The Bills will have some injury issues to contend with on their end, with two players ruled out and another two listed as questionable. Here's how things broke down on the Buffalo side:
- OL Spencer Brown (calf): DNP | DNP | LP - questionable
- LB Matt Milano (pectoral): DNP | DNP | DNP - out
- DT Ed Oliver (ankle): DNP | DNP | DNP - out
- DE AJ Epenesa (pectoral): LP | LP | LP - questionable
The Saints (0-3) head up to Orchard Park to face the Bills (3-0) at noon Sunday. Catch all the action on WWL and Audacy.