NFC Notes: Buccaneers, Panthers, Saints

Buccaneers

• According to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times, Buccaneers WR Mike Evans and CB Carlton Davis returned to practice on Thursday. 
• Buccaneers HC Bruce Arians said Evans will be a game-time decision for Saturday night: “I think he has a chance.” (Ben Volin)

Panthers

• The Athletic’s Joe Person writes the Panthers will likely prioritize re-signing RT Taylor Moton over WR Curtis Samuel given their heavier investment at receiver.
• That makes a third wideout a need but Person notes the return of RB Christian McCaffrey should help with that. He added the team could address tight end given Ian Thomas failed to break out. 
• Person expects the Panthers to move on from both DT Kawann Short and DE Stephen Weatherly as cap casualties. 
• Panthers HC Matt Rhule highlighted LB Jermaine Carter as someone who impressed him as the season went on: “I think our relationship wasn’t great early on. I believe in him. I think he’s come a long way, done a lot of great things.”
• CBS Sports’ Jason La Canfora mentions there was some momentum building for the Broncos to possibly hire 49ers executive Adam Peters as their next GM. However, La Canfora reports “several” NFL front-office members believe Peters would be better suited with the Carolina Panthers.
• LSU hired Panthers QB Jake Peetz as their new offensive coordinator, per the Athletic’s Brody Miller.
• LSU also hired Panthers offensive assistant DJ Mangas as their passing game coordinator. (Twitter)
• The Panthers requested an interview with Ravens director of football administration Nick Matteo but he declined. (Albert Breer)

Saints

It might be the NFL’s worst-kept secret that 2020 is Saints QB Drew Brees‘ final season. But there’s been no outright confirmation and Brees said he hasn’t changed his approach this year compared to the past few seasons. 

“You know what? Honestly, I’ve played the last four seasons in a row as if it was my last,” Brees said via John DeShazier of the team website. “So as I sit here, right now, my approach is very much the same.”

• Saints RB Alvin Kamara is participating in practice virtually via a live video transceiver this week. He’s expected to come off the COVID-19 list in time to play Sunday. (Adam Schefter)
• Brees expects Kamara to play in Sunday’s game despite not practicing this week: “I think Alvin will be fine.” (Nick Underhill)