Saints OT Fuaga (back) misses practice in National Sports

The New Orleans Saints’ top draft pick this year, offensive tackle Taliese Fuaga, was absent from practice on Friday due to back tightness, but coach Dennis Allen reassured that he should be ready for the regular season. Fuaga, who had to leave practice early on Thursday in Irvine, Calif., has been playing as a starting left tackle after excelling as a first-team All-America selection in 2023 at Oregon State where he played right tackle. Landon Young stepped in as the left tackle in Fuaga’s absence on Thursday. Allen noted that Fuaga was seen stretching his back before practice on Thursday, and his availability for upcoming games will depend on his health. The Saints drafted Fuaga with the 14th overall pick in April. Wide receiver and return specialist Rashid Shaheed also missed practice on Friday due to a toe or foot injury. Allen did not confirm Shaheed’s status for the upcoming preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers. Shaheed, who has been a standout performer for the Saints, was selected to the Pro Bowl and All-Pro teams in 2023 as a punt returner. The Saints are gearing up to open their regular season on September 8 against the Carolina Panthers in New Orleans. –Field Level Media