Nov 2, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough (6) stands in the pocket against the Los Angeles Rams during the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

Saints QB Tyler Shough's task to earn long-term starting job potentially gets a lot tougher during Week 9 loss to Rams

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Adam Holt | Last updated Nov 2, 2025 10:32 PM ET

The New Orleans Saints got their first starting experience look at rookie quarterback Tyler Shough during a Week 9 defeat at the hands of the Los Angeles Rams. The offense struggled for most of the matchup, but the Rams also dominated in time of possession, keeping the young QB on the sidelines for much of the matchup.

One key injury for the Saints could doom Shough in his pursuit to earn the trust of his coaching staff and Saints fans over the course of this season as well. Taliese Fuaga is dealing with an injury that forced him out of this embarrassing loss.

Taliese Fuaga carted off with injury during loss to Rams

The starting tackle for New Orleans needed assistance to leave the field after suffering an injury during the Saints' loss to the Rams. He was then carted to the locker room with a towel over his head. Losing Fuaga would be yet another massive blow to the offensive unit for Kellen Moore, one that ranks near the bottom of the NFL in nearly every meaningful category.

Fuaga has been arguably the best offensive lineman for the Saints this season, and he has been playing through ailments since early on in the campaign. Now, this latest ailment could knock him out for some time. His timetable for return is still TBD, and we may get updates on him early this week.

Saints RT Taliese Fuaga riding back to locker room on a cart after long evaluation in tent
— Mike Triplett (@MikeTriplett) November 2, 2025

As for Shough, this sort of loss upfront could be the news he never wanted to hear. He was under duress quite consistently against a talented Rams defensive line. Without Fuaga, the OL's task to help protect Shough and find running lanes on the ground becomes even tougher.

Keep in mind - the Saints are already without star center Erik McCoy for the remainder of the season, and both guard spots have seen changes due to injury at different points of this season. Guard Cesar Ruiz also left this game early on but returned rather quickly.

It will be intriguing to hear the report on Fuaga's injury and his potential outlook for the rest of this season. New Orleans will have to wrestle with making sure to keep his long-term health in mind and not rushing him back along with the hopefulness to give Shough the best environment to succeed possible.

Regardless, proving to be the long-term answer at quarterback for Shough won't be an east task, and the pressure on Kellen Moore is only set to turn up even more over the latter half of this disappointing campaign for the Saints.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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