Saints’ Jameis Winston, Michael Thomas sit out practice again
New Orleans Saints quarterback Jameis Winston and wide receiver Michael Thomas did not practice for a second straight day on Thursday in London.
Despite consecutive absences, Winston (back, ankle) still is expected to be under center when the Saints (1-2) “host” the Minnesota Vikings (2-1) on Sunday.
“I think they’re just making what was the best decision for him (Thursday), and then obviously it was a plan last week kind of where he was going to be limited throughout the week, and so we’ll see where we are at (on Friday),” Saints offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael said. “But it was just part of the plan as the day unfolded.
“I think the plan was just kind of see where he was at day to day and then see if we could get him out there. So hopefully, that happens (on Friday).
While Winston and Thomas (foot) sat out for the second straight day, wide receiver Jarvis Landry (ankle), guard Andrus Peat (concussion) and tackle Ryan Ramczyk (rest) were listed as limited in practice on Thursday.
Like Wednesday, Andy Dalton took first-team reps and would be in line to get the start should Winston be unable to play on Sunday. Winston injured his back in New Orleans’ 27-26 win over the Atlanta Falcons in the season opener on Sept. 11 before tweaking his ankle last week in practice.
Winston, 28, has completed 73 of 115 passes for 858 yards with four touchdowns and five interceptions in three games this season.
Dalton, 34, has yet to throw a pass this season. He completed 149 of 236 attempts for 1,515 yards with eight touchdowns and nine interceptions in eight games last season for the Chicago Bears.
Thomas, 29, is nursing a foot injury sustained in Sunday’s loss to the Panthers. The three-time Pro Bowl selection has 16 catches for 171 yards and a team-leading three receiving touchdowns this season.
Defensive end Marcus Davenport (shoulder), wide receiver Tre’Quan Smith (concussion) and safety J.T. Gray (shoulder) turned in full practices on Thursday after being limited on Wednesday.
Running back Alvin Kamara (rib), cornerback Paulson Adebo (ankle), safety Marcus Maye (rib), wide receiver Deonte Harty (foot) and tight end Taysom Hill (ribs) were limited in Thursday’s practice.
–Field Level Media
