Taliese Fuaga downgraded on Week 2 Saints injury report vs. Cowboys

This is worth watching. New Orleans Saints rookie left tackle Taliese Fuaga (back) didn’t practice on Thursday, putting his status in jeopardy ahead of Week 2’s road game with the Dallas Cowboys. If he can’t go it would likely be veteran backup Landon Young or Olisaemeka Udoh starting in his place against DeMarcus Lawrence, Micah Parsons, and the talented Cowboys defensive line.

We’ll have to wait for final word on Fuaga’s condition later this week. He’s been managing this back injury with lighter practice days but this is the first session he’s missed since training camp. He didn’t miss a snap in the season opener and more than held his own, so there should be some optimism that he can go on Sunday. At the same time, it’s a long season, and this is only the second game of his NFL career. The Saints could choose to protect Fuaga by giving him more time to rest.

Other updates from the injury report: Marshon Lattimore (hamstring) missed a second day of practice which would put rookie draft pick Kool-Aid McKinstry in the starting lineup at cornerback. Veterans Tyrann Mathieu (heel) and Lucas Patrick (toe) returned to practice on a limited basis at safety and left guard, respectively, while tight ends Dallin Holker (ankle) and Foster Moreau (concussion) were upgraded to full reps. We’ll know more about everyone after Friday’s final injury report is released with travel plans becoming clear on Saturday.

Here’s the full injury report following Thursday’s practice: