The New Orleans Saints began practice without a few key starters on Wednesday in London, ahead of their international game with the Minnesota Vikings this week. And the most prominent name not in attendance during the period open to the media was their starting quarterback. Jameis Winston has been dealing with back and ankle injuries that have limited him in previous practices, but this is the first time he wasn’t seen participating at all.
In his place, the Saints ran the first-team offense with Andy Dalton under center. Taysom Hill also got reps at quarterback rather than tight end, per multiple media reports. The team also has journeyman passer Jake Luton on their practice squad if they need another arm.
It’s early in the week, and Winston’s status could improve in the two practices ahead of Sunday’s kickoff at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. But this is very much worth watching. He’s been playing through injuries that have pretty clearly limited his performance, so resting him would be a wise — if difficult — decision. Stay tuned for the initial injury report to release later Wednesday.
The Saints signed Dalton this offseason for this exact situation, so we’ll be looking for him to step up should he be needed. His last start in the NFL was against the Vikings in Minnesota, where he completed 33 of 48 pass attempts to gain 325 yards and score a touchdown — but he was intercepted twice and sacked seven times.
Update: Dennis Allen said after practice that Jameis Winston will return to practice on Thursday, and that he expects Winston to start Week 4’s game with the Vikings.
