NFC South Notes: Buccaneers, Panthers, Saints

Buccaneers

According to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times, the Buccaneers fined WR DeSean Jackson “extensively for being late to meetings and sometimes [falling] asleep in them” last year.

“Just before Christmas last year, he played cards in the locker room with his former Washington teammate, defensive tackle Chris Baker, and was late to a meeting,” Stroud writes. “When told he would be fined again, Jackson erupted and kicked over a display Bucs receivers were using for a secret Santa gift exchange. He then became involved in a physical altercation with one of his coaches and had to be restrained by a teammate.”

• Buccaneers HC Dirk Koetter said of the uncertain job security in the NFL: “It’s challenging, but again, it comes with the territory. You know, I’d say it’s challenging on players and coaches but especially on their families. Guys that come to work every day, they’re in it and they’re talking to guys who are in it every day. But the wives, the kids, schools, that kind of thing, that’s upsetting. If you’ve ever been in that position where your future is unsettled, it’s not the most comfortable feeling. But also we picked the profession.” (Rick Stroud)
• The Tampa Bay Buccaneers officially list WR DeSean Jackson (achilles) and DE Carl Nassib (shoulder) as doubtful for Week 17 and have LB Devante Bond (illness) and DE Jason Pierre-Paul (knee, shoulder) down as questionable.

Panthers

Panthers HC Ron Rivera told reporters on Friday that he’s had “positive” talks with owner David Tepper about returning for the 2019 season.

“I feel pretty good about it,” Rivera said when asked about his future with the team, via ESPN.com. “My intention, and everything I’ve been doing, is working toward the future, and we’ll go from there. My conversations with the owner have been all positive.”

• The Carolina Panthers officially ruled out QB Cam Newton (right shoulder), DT Kawann Short (calf), and G Trai Turner (ankle) for Week 17 and list T Marshall Newhouse (hip) as questionable.
• Panthers placed RB Kenjon Barner on injured reserve. (NFLTR)
• Panthers promoted OL Dorian Johnson to their active roster.

Saints

• The New Orleans Saints officially ruled out T Terron Armstead (pectoral), G Jermon Bushrod (hamstring), and G Larry Warford (knee) for Week 17.