The New Orleans Saints still have significant injury questions along their offensive line, but they appear close to getting a big piece back in action.
LG Trevor Penning (toe) returned to practice on Wednesday for the first time since leaving on a cart during the preseason opener against the Chargers. He was limited, and the question will be whether he can get in enough work this week to get back on the field, or if more time is needed.
Saints head coach Kellen Moore made it clear that when Penning was healthy enough to play, he would slot in as the starter. Veteran Dillon Radunz has filled in for the first two weeks of the season.
"We anticipate him going when healthy and he's ready to go," Moore said. H"e did a phenomenal job all offseason and we'll see how everything progresses.
The turf-toe injury, to the fourth-year pro's left foot, was much less significant compared to the one he suffered in the preseason of his rookie season that required surgery.
Here's how the initial injury report of Week 3 broke down for the Saints:
LP = limited participation; FP = full participation; DNP = did not participate
- OT Taliese Fuaga (back): DNP
- OL Dillon Radunz (toe): DNP
- DE Chase Young (calf): DNP
- WR Trey Palmer (hamstring): LP
- OT/G Trevor Penning: LP
Radunz's absence is one to watch, though Moore indicated it is not expected to be a long-term injury. The Saints will also be monitoring RT Taliese Fuaga, who has been dealing with a knee injury but is now nursing a back issue. Fuaga also dealt with back issues during his rookie season.
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DE Chase Young's absence continues, still working back from a calf injury suffered during a practice leading up to Week 1. Moore was noncommital about Young's ability to return in Week 3, but he did note that there has not been a setback.
The Seahawks had not submitted their half of the injury report at the time of this publication. Check back for updates.
The Saints (0-2) hit the road for the first time this season to face the Seahawks (1-1). That game is scheduled for 3:05 p.m. (central). Catch all the action on WWL and Audacy.