The New Orleans Saints will have some serious injury questions looming heading into Week 2, including another starting offensive lineman who is nursing an injury.
RT Taliese Fuaga (knee) didn't practice on Wednesday, though he could be seen riding a bike inside the indoor facility. The second-year OL came out of the Week 1 loss to the Cardinals in the third quarter due to what was described as a knee issue. Newly acquired OT Asim Richards took over and finished the game, and he'd be expected to stick in the RT role should Fuaga be unable to play.
The Saints were also still without DE Chase Young (calf) and LG Trevor Penning (toe) a negative sign for their potential availability against the 49ers in Week 2.
Here's how the initial Week 2 injury report broke down on Wednesday:
DNP = did not participate; LP = limited participation; FP = full participation
- S Julian Blackmon (shoulder): DNP
- OT Taliese Fuaga (knee): DNP
- G/T Trevor Penning (toe): DNP
- DE Chase Young (calf): DNP
- RB Velus Jones (knee): LP
- LS Zach Wood (elbow): LP
- S Jordan Howden (oblique): FP
Safety Julian Blackmon was the only player from the 53-man roster absent on the day. The veteran is expected to miss the remainder of the season with a shoulder injury, something that was discovered in the hours after he played 100% of the snaps against the Cardinals.
Practice squad QB Hunter Dekkers and DE Garrett Nelson were also absent, while DE Fadil Diggs was back with the practice squad.
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While the Saints have injury questions, that pales in comparison to the 49ers' current situation. Star TE George Kittle has been sent to IR, and Kyle Shanahan described Brock Purdy as a "longshot" to play in Week 2, meaning Mac Jones will likely draw the start. Here's how things broke down for San Fran on Wednesday:
- DE Nick Bosa (rest): DNP
- DE Yetur Gross-Matos (knee): DNP
- WR Jauan Jennings (shoulder): DNP
- RB Christian McCaffrey (rest/calf): DNP
- QB Brock Purdy (left shoulder/toe): DNP
- OT Trent Williams (rest/knee): DNP
- G Ben Bartch (knee/elbow): LP
- RB Jordan James (finger): LP
- WR Jordan Watkins (ankle): LP
- LB Luke Gifford (knee): FP
- QB Mac Jones (knee): FP
- G Dominick Puni (knee): FP
The Saints (0-1) host the 49ers (1-1) at noon Sunday inside the Caesars Superdome. Catch all the action on WWL and Audacy.