METAIRIE, La. (WGNO) – Saints right tackle Taliese Fuaga had to overcome a lot in 2025. He missed four games and played through injuries – including two high ankle sprains.

“It was a good learning experience because at first it wasn’t the best feeling, and I was down,” Fuaga said. “Guys like Erik McCoy (center), you know, he’s been through injuries. The way he comes in every day, even if he’s injured or not, he comes in the same way to meetings. He has a good attitude, and it’s a good learning experience for me to learn from that.”

The way Fuaga responded during those tough times impressed head coach Kellen Moore. And the Saints’ second-year coach said it’ll help him grow.

“I think anytime you have to go through those, you gain resiliency,” Moore said. “What he had to navigate with injuries, which were kind of some goofy ones throughout the season, getting rolled up in a couple of unique ways. He fought back and found a way to keep playing whenever he could. I think when you go through that and find success on the other end of it, it makes you gain confidence.”

The hope for Fuaga is that confidence helps him take a step forward in year three. He’s doing whatever it takes, and for the first time, he spent the entire offseason in New Orleans.

“Trying to sacrifice a lot to be here to really hone in on my technique, lifting, and all of that,” Fuaga said.

Fuaga is putting in the work. And based on what he has seen from the rest of the offensive line, he’s optimistic about that unit as a whole this year.  

“Ces (Cesar Ruiz) and Erik (McCoy), they are already vet guys and know what they’re doing next to each other. Me and Ces are still building that chemistry next to each other. Kelvin (Banks), man, he’s a very polished dude already enough and I like it because we’re able to talk about technique and stuff like that. David (Edwards) is a really good vet out there. He is smart and has been in different systems, so to have him out there and be able to ask him a bunch of questions is cool,” Fuaga said.

The offensive line will continue to work on its chemistry when the Saints report to training camp on July 28.

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The Kansas City Chiefs should have their quarterback available a lot sooner than anyone initially thought.

The Kansas City Chiefs are kind of under the microscope as training camp approaches. That's what happens when your star quarterback, and the face of the league, is injured and could be ready way earlier than expected.

Of course, the reports and rumors are that he will be ready by Week 1. But now, new information from NFL and Chiefs insiders suggests he could be ready before then. In fact, Mahomes wants to play in a preseason game and do even more.

ESPN's Nate Taylor drops an interesting note regarding Patrick Mahomes and training camp

"QB outlook: At this point, the Chiefs expect Patrick Mahomes to be in uniform when the season begins Sept. 14 against the Broncos. Mahomes, who is recovering from a left knee injury suffered in December, was able to participate in each of the Chiefs’ offseason practices, which was a great indication of his rehab work.

"In training camp, Mahomes hopes to be included in 11-on-11 team periods and eventually be cleared for full contact ahead of the preseason. Throughout his nine-year career, Mahomes has played at least one game in the preseason to prepare for the regular season. He’ll hope to continue that streak in August." – Nate Taylor, ESPN

Patrick Mahomes is the best quarterback in the NFL and one of the greatest to ever play the position. Last season, when he went out with an injury, we saw how bad the team was. They need Mahomes to be fully healthy to have the season they believe they can have. So, if that means Mahomes isn't ready for 11-on-11 in training camp, that's fine. You don't want to push something as delicate as this.

However, if he's ready, he's ready. If they have Mahomes for a preseason game and a portion of training camp, that's so much better than just having him for Week 1. This gives him time to get ready for game-speed situations, and for all the new things Andy Reid plans to install in the offense. If this happens, it is huge for the Chiefs. This team should be better than they were last year. On paper, they are. So, let’s see if this dynasty is really over, like everyone claims.

This article was originally published on A to Z Sports. Read the full story here: Kansas City Chiefs insider drops an interesting nugget on QB Patrick Mahomes just before training camp

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