The Saints have downgraded QB Jameis Winston from doubtful to out.
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) October 1, 2022
After missing all three practices this week, New Orleans Saints quarterback Jameis Winston has officially been downgraded from doubtful to out. Veteran quarterback Andy Dalton will assume the role as Saints signal caller in Winston’s stead. The 11-year veteran worked with the first team offense all week in London, where the game will be played.
When it comes to backup quarterbacks, there are certainly few options out there more experienced than Dalton. The former Cincinnati Bengals second-round draft selection has appeared in 152 regular season games. He has also stepped up in relief of quarterbacks in Chicago and Dallas when injuries struck.
With over 35,000 career passing yards and a career passer rating of 87.0, New Orleans could be in far worse hands having to go to a backup passer. Dalton was also given the chance to gather some experience with this year’s Saints skill position group throughout training camp while Winston missed time with an ankle injury. So he is more familiar with the system than an emergency option called up a week before a matchup.
Winston is dealing with four fractures in his back, an ankle injury and is less than a year removed from the ACL tear which ended his 2021 campaign early. A switch to Dalton seemed inevitable after an underwhelming performance last week. Even though the switch is injury-related, some believe that Dalton could be a better option for the Saints moving forward. Those questions will soon be answered.