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Hours From Kickoff vs. Panthers, Kellen Moore Just Dropped Massive News: Saints’ Biggest Star Is Officially Cleared

New Orleans, Louisiana – 12/13/2025

The New Orleans Saints entered Week 15 facing one of their biggest concerns of the season: the possibility of losing yet another offensive line cornerstone just days before a crucial rematch with the Carolina Panthers. With Asim Richards officially ruled out due to a high ankle sprain, the idea of fielding a third-string right tackle loomed large over the organization.

But on Friday morning, head coach Kellen Moore delivered the update that completely shifted the mood inside the building — Taliese Fuaga is back, carrying no injury designation and fully available.

Report: Saints starting offensive lineman Taliese Fuaga to play through  injury vs. 49ers - Yahoo Sports

Fuaga’s return doesn’t just stabilize the Saints’ protection scheme — it prevents an immediate structural crisis. In Tyler Shough’s five starts this season, only twice has he been protected by both starting tackles, and those were the games in which the rookie quarterback played his cleanest football.

Moore understands exactly what this moment means.

“You never want to go into a win-or-go-home game protected by your third-string right tackle — that’s how seasons die. But getting this man back — the one most fans sleep on — completely changes the script. One blind-side hit can end everything. His return just might save ours.”

Fuaga has endured a turbulent sophomore campaign, battling through injuries that disrupted both his rhythm and consistency. Yet even at less than full strength, his impact on the Saints’ offensive tempo has remained undeniable. With his power, discipline, and ability to anchor the edge, Fuaga is one of the pillars Shough relies on the most.

Shough has shown remarkable poise despite working behind a patchwork line for most of the year. But Moore knows no young quarterback can thrive long-term under those conditions.

Fuaga’s return, timed perfectly, gives New Orleans a stabilizing force as they enter a matchup that could define the remainder of their season.

The Saints didn’t just avoid a potential disaster — they recovered a vital piece of themselves that had been missing for weeks.

🔥 FROM JACKSONVILLE ICON TO IMMORTAL: Jimmy Smith Enters the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Cementing a Legacy That Defined an Era
Jacksonville, Florida – January , 2026 – Jimmy Smith’s name is now forever etched among football’s immortals. The legendary wide receiver of the Jacksonville Jaguars has officially been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame — a moment Jaguars fans have long awaited. For a franchise that was still building its identity, Smith’s induction is more than just a personal achievement. It’s the recognition of a player who reshaped Jacksonville’s passing offense and became a symbol of consistency and excellence throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s. Smith’s career was never about the spotlight — it was about impact. Drafted in 1995, Smith entered a Jaguars team that was on the rise, searching for its place in the NFL. What followed was one of the most productive and consistent careers in franchise history. Over his 11 seasons in Jacksonville, Smith became the team’s all-time leader in receptions (862), yards (12,287), and touchdowns (67), all while playing for a small-market team that was often overlooked. But the numbers tell only part of the story. Smith embodied the heart of Jacksonville’s offense during the Tom Coughlin era. He was a true game-changer — a reliable, versatile receiver who could do it all. Whether it was a quick slant or a deep route down the sideline, Smith had the ability to make plays that put the Jaguars’ offense on the map. He consistently delivered in clutch moments and established himself as one of the premier wide receivers of the 1990s and 2000s. “Jimmy was the guy who made everything click,” a former teammate once said. “You knew if you needed a big play, Jimmy would come through.” Smith’s career was also marked by his perseverance and consistency. A 5-time Pro Bowler (1996-2000), he was consistently among the league’s best. In fact, during his prime, he ranked second in receptions and first in yards in the 1990s and 2000s, trailing only Marvin Harrison. His impact on the Jaguars’ passing game cannot be overstated — he helped define the team’s offensive identity during the franchise’s formative years. Although Smith was a nominee and semifinalist for the Hall of Fame in 2026, his induction was long overdue. Playing in a small-market city like Jacksonville meant he wasn’t always in the national spotlight, but his on-field achievements and consistent production spoke for themselves. Smith was one of the most underrated wide receivers of his generation and a key part of Jacksonville’s early success. For Jacksonville, Smith’s induction carries profound significance. Before the team had its modern-day stars, Jimmy Smith was the face of the Jaguars’ offense. He represented hard work, dedication, and the ability to perform at the highest level, even when the world wasn’t always paying attention. As Jimmy Smith takes his rightful place in Canton, his legacy is undeniable. He wasn’t part of a dynasty, but he was one of the most respected, consistent, and feared wide receivers the game has ever seen. Jimmy Smith didn’t just play football.He redefined it. And now, his name lives forever — exactly where it belongs.