NFC South Notes: Buccaneers, Falcons, Panthers, Saints

Buccaneers

• Buccaneers WR DeSean Jackson said he has played through an injured thumb all season: “I’ve just kind of been bearing through it.” (Greg Auman)

Falcons

• Falcons WR Julio Jones is expected to play this week despite being sent home from practice on Thursday with flu-like symptoms. The expectation is that Jones will return to practice on Friday. (Vaughn McClure)

Panthers

Panthers WR Devin Funchess, who is in a contract year, says he isn’t frustrated by the lack of playing time he’s seen in recent weeks.

“Nothing is frustrating,” Funchess said, via Joe Person of The Athletic. “I’ve gotta be smart with my back and make sure everything’s good. And when I’m out there, try to make sure my guys can make a play, as you saw. I’m trying to spring DJ. I’m trying to spring [running back Christian McCaffrey]. I’m trying to spring everybody. Just make sure my body is healthy and try to do what I can for the W.”

• Panthers HC Ron Rivera said that he hoped LT Chris Clark (knee) would be available for Monday’s game against the Saints, despite being added to the injury report: “Today we wanted to give him a little rest and see how he is. We’ll see how he responds to the work he did on the side. We expect him to be ready to roll.”

Saints

• Regarding the decision to release WR Brandon Marshall on Wednesday, Saints HC Sean Payton said they needed a roster spot to claim TE Erik Swoope and “we feel like (WR Ted Ginn Jr.) is close to coming back.” (Mike Triplett)
• Saints OL Michael Ola said he does not have a high ankle sprain, as was previously reported, and is instead dealing with a left knee issue. (Josh Katzenstein)
• According to Howard Balzer, the New Orleans Saints brought in three players for workouts this week including RB Martez Carter, RB Jalen Simmons, and FB Dimitri Flowers.