Dennis Allen leaves the door open for Taliese Fuaga to play vs. Cowboys

After Friday’s practice, Dennis Allen discussed the Taliese Fuaga injury with the media, and he doesn’t seem worried about this being a long term ailment. Fuaga missed the last two days of practice after being limited on Wednesday.

Allen said Fuaga’s injury as “a little back tightness.” Allen also described it as “not a whole lot different than what Fuaga dealt with in training camp.” He emphasized that he feels good about where Fuaga is at. The rookie was phenomenal in his first career start last week against the Carolina Panthers, even if this back tightness is nagging him.

The Saints face the Dallas Cowboys this Sunday and will have to deal with the duo of DeMarcus Lawrence and Micah Parsons. This isn’t a game you want to go into down any offensive linemen, especially not a left tackle.

Allen may not characterize this as a major injury, but that is not a statement Fuaga will play. The team still has to evaluate him over the next couple of days. This is an indication Fuaga’s absence isn’t purely precautionary.

Allen called the decision on whether to play a player who hasn’t had the opportunity to practice a “challenge.” Fuaga’s uncommon maturity as a young player, however, makes it an easier decision. If Fuaga can play, he will go despite not practicing much. This should be expected to be a game-time decision.