NFC Notes: Buccaneers, Panthers, Saints

Buccaneers

• Buccaneers HC Bruce Arians told reporters on Friday that he doesn’t think either of the injuries to RB Ronald Jones or CB Carlton Davis is that serious: “We’ll have to see but I don’t think either one of them are serious.” (Rick Stroud)

Panthers

• Panthers HC Matt Rhule said LB Shaq Thompson‘s groin remains sore and referred to it as an abductor issue. (Joe Person)
• Rhule mentioned that first-round DT Derrick Brown went down with a nagging ankle issue during Friday’s practice, but it’s “nothing major.” (Joe Person)
• Rhule also said that they won’t keep three punters and kickers on the active roster, but could try to stash one on the practice squad. (Joe Person)

Saints

• According to the New Orleans Times-Picayune, Saints and Pelicans owner Gayle Benson has been diagnosed with coronavirus.
• Saints senior vice president of communications Greg Bensel tells The Times-Picayune that Benson is reportedly under daily medical care and is doing well in her recovery.
• Benson reportedly tested positive within the last few weeks. It’s unknown what symptoms Benson is dealing with.
• Saints’ QB Drew Brees spoke about WR on Tre’Quan Smith on 
  Sirius XM NFL Radio: “Tre’Quan Smith is a guy who I think is ready to really blossom and just explode in this offense.” (Nick Underhill)
• Brees also mentioned what WR Emmanuel Sanders can bring to the Saints’ offense: “Man, he can help us go to another level.” (Underhill)