NFC Notes: Buccaneers, Falcons, Panthers, Saints

Buccaneers

• Buccaneers HC Bruce Arians said losing LT Donovan Smith to the COVID-19 list “throws a wrinkle” into their plans for Week 15. (Greg Auman)
• Arians added that Buccaneers OT Josh Wells did well at left tackle last week and should fill in for Smith: “Josh Wells will do a heck of a job [last week].”
• Arians said CB Jamel Dean (groin) will be a game-time decision but appeared “pretty solid” in Friday’s practice. (Auman)
• Arians mentioned that he is “very comfortable” with RBs Leonard Fournette, LeSean McCoy, and Ke’Shawn Vaughn if Ronald Jones (hand) is unable to play. (Auman)

Falcons

• Falcons’ interim HC Raheem Morris said WR Julio Jones (hamstring) has a “shot to play” in the final two games of the season and they are not discussing the possibility of shutting him down. (Jason Butt)
• Morris said OT Kaleb McGary had returned to the team after going through COVID-19 protocols and is hopeful that he will be able to play in Sunday’s game. (Butt)

Panthers

• The Panthers have downgraded OL Dennis Daley to out for Week 15 due to a concussion he sustained in Week 11. (Joe Person)
• According to Person, Panthers RB Christian McCaffrey (shoulder) is expected to travel to Green Bay for Week 15 but is not expected to play.
• Person notes that Week 16’s game against the Washington Football Team is still a possibility.
• OUT for Week 15: G Dennis Daley (concussion)
• DOUBTFUL for Week 15: RB Christian McCaffrey (thigh)
• QUESTIONABLE for Week 15: S Tre Boston (hamstring), DE Austin Larkin (shoulder), DE Efe Obada (knee), T Russell Okung (calf), WR Curtis Samuel (hamstring)

Saints

• According to Adam Schefter, Saints QB Jameis Winston be Drew Brees‘ primary backup now that he’s returned to the lineup, while Taysom Hill will continue playing in a mobile-quarterback role. 
• Ian Rapoport reports that the Saints wanted to examine Drew Brees in practice this week before deciding whether he would start in Week 15. According to Rapoport, practice went “really well” for Brees this week and he “looked like his old self.”
• Saints tried out K Cooper Rothe and LS Lucas Gravelle. (Aaron Wilson)
• OUT for Week 15: DT Malcom Brown (shoulder, calf), G Nick Easton (concussion), WR Michael Thomas (ankle)
• QUESTIONABLE for Week 15: WR Deonte Harris (neck)