Key Saints starters are out for Sunday. Kellen Moore details how Fuaga, Kamara, and Reid's absences impact their game plan against the Buccaneers.
The New Orleans Saints will enter Sunday’s contest against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as significant underdogs from a roster talent standpoint, and that gap only widens with the latest injury news as this divisional matchup inches closer. With more information about the health and availability of each team becoming clearer by the day, Friday brought a blow for New Orleans.
Head coach Kellen Moore officially revealed the Saints will be without three starters at minimum, as tackle Taliese Fuaga, running back Alvin Kamara and safety Justin Reid will all miss the showdown. For a team that was already going to be fighting uphill, losing that trio removes critical layers of stability on both offense and defense.
Fuaga’s absence complicates protection plans against a Tampa Bay front that can make life uncomfortable in obvious passing situations. Kamara’s unavailability is the headline, though, because this offense has struggled to generate consistent rhythm even when healthy. Without a reliable back who can create on early downs, win in space and rescue broken possessions, the Saints risk becoming even more one-dimensional.
Reid’s loss also matters more than it might on paper, especially in a matchup that can quickly tilt toward the air game. Tampa Bay’s passing attack has been among the league’s most dangerous when it is able to dictate tempo, and losing an experienced communicator on the back end can stress the Saints’ coverage rotations and tackling discipline.
On the flip side, there is at least some encouraging news entering this week. Wide receiver Chris Olave is listed as questionable and is expected to have a real chance to play, which would give New Orleans much-needed burst and route-winning ability on the perimeter. Even so, the broader picture remains daunting.
The Buccaneers have dealt with injuries of their own, but it is still clear that Tampa Bay is one of the best teams in football when it throws its best punch. The dynamic offense led by Baker Mayfield is difficult to slow down when healthy and in rhythm, making these three Saints absences an important factor to keep in mind as kickoff approaches.