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INJURY UPDATE: Four Saints Starters Absent From Wednesday’s Practice Due to Significant Injuries — Head Coach Kellen Moore Faces the Biggest Test of His Career

New Orleans, Louisiana – December 4, 2025

The New Orleans Saints entered Wednesday’s practice under a heavy cloud, with tension visible across the field. The injury report released earlier in the day stunned the entire organization: four key starters — Taliese Fuaga, Alvin Kamara, Chris Olave, and Justin Reid — were all sidelined with serious injuries. Their placement on the “Did Not Participate” list immediately disrupted the Saints’ preparation for their crucial Week 14 showdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

For Taliese Fuaga, the standout rookie right tackle, a new ankle injury has suddenly created major concerns for the offensive line. Alvin Kamara, the heartbeat of the offense, continues to battle knee and ankle issues that already kept him out of Week 13. Chris Olave, the team’s top receiving weapon, remains limited by a lingering back problem. Justin Reid, the veteran leader of the secondary, is dealing with a knee injury suffered against the Miami Dolphins.

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Each absence represents a strategic and emotional collapse of a different section of the roster. Fuaga is the anchor. Kamara is the rhythm. Olave is the strike point. Reid is the voice. Losing one is difficult — losing all four at once is a nightmare scenario.

And at the center of it all stands head coach Kellen Moore, now facing the toughest challenge of his young head-coaching career. Known for his calm presence and creative energy, Moore appeared noticeably strained when he stepped to the podium after practice.

He chose his words carefully, but the weight behind them was unmistakable:

“Losing four pillars at the same time is a problem no football manual tells you how to solve. But sometimes it’s the problems without ready-made answers that reveal a team’s true character. And this is the week we have to prove that.”

Week 14 was already shaping up to be a defining battle in the NFC South race. Now, with four core players in jeopardy, the Saints aren’t just preparing for the Buccaneers — they’re preparing to confront their own adversity.

New Orleans enters a week where every medical update, every step from its stars, and every small adjustment could determine the fate of the entire season.

One thing is certain: if the Saints survive this week, it won’t simply be a win — it will be a statement about who they truly are.

Riq Woolen Owned His Mistake Publicly, But Seattle Still Acted Swiftly To Enforce Discipline Ahead Of The Super Bowl Against The Patriots
Seattle, Washington – January 2026 The Seattle Seahawks made it clear that they would not overlook a critical moment that nearly changed the course of their season. Late in the NFC Championship, Riq Woolen was flagged for taunting after a crucial pass breakup, wiping out a pivotal fourth-down stop and directly leading to a touchdown for the Los Angeles Rams. The two-play sequence unfolded in a matter of seconds, placing Seattle’s Super Bowl hopes in jeopardy. After the game, Woolen immediately took responsibility and issued a public apology, acknowledging that an emotional decision nearly cost his team at the worst possible time. @NFL @Seahawks no more taunting penalties pic.twitter.com/CnUiPHYGN1 — Tariq Woolen (@_Tariqwoolen) January 26, 2026 “In that moment, when the Rams made a move that insulted our team and our fans, I let my emotions take over. It was a mistake, and I fully recognize that I almost hurt the team at the most crucial moment. I apologize to everyone for letting my emotions affect my focus, and I promise it won’t happen again. I’ll learn from this mistake and give everything I have for the team in the upcoming games.” Despite the apology, the Seahawks acted quickly behind closed doors to reinforce accountability. According to team sources, Seattle imposed an internal fine equivalent to one playoff game check, a penalty handled entirely within the organization and separate from any potential league discipline. The fine was coupled with a mandatory closed-door meeting, where Woolen spoke directly to the defensive unit, taking full responsibility and emphasizing the importance of maintaining composure in high-pressure situations. This discipline wasn’t meant to be a reactionary measure but a preventative one. With a Super Bowl showdown against the New England Patriots on the horizon, Seattle’s leadership felt it necessary to send a firm message to the entire roster: emotional penalties will not be tolerated on the league’s biggest stage. Coaches emphasized that while accountability is respected, actions must follow words, especially when it comes to championship stakes. Here's the pool report with referee Clay Martin on Riq Woolen's taunting penalty late in the third quarter: pic.twitter.com/SItHZm2vwr — Brady Henderson (@BradyHenderson) January 26, 2026 The moment also caught the attention of officials after the game. Here’s the report from referee Clay Martin on Woolen’s taunting penalty late in the third quarter: Despite the penalty, Woolen’s performance outside of the flag was strong, and his immediate ownership of the mistake helped preserve trust within the locker room. Still, the Seahawks wanted the message to be unmistakable as they head to the Super Bowl. Apologies are respected, but discipline is enforced — especially when a championship is on the line.