NFC Notes: Buccaneers, Panthers, Saints

Buccaneers

• Buccaneers DC Todd Bowles said they are not just focusing on Saints QB Jameis Winston when preparing for Week 8: “We’re not just playing against Jameis, he’s got 10 other guys over there that play damn good football…We got to get ready for the Saints, not just Jameis.” (Rick Stroud)

Panthers

• Panthers OC Joe Brady said recently signed practice squad WR Willie Snead “could be an option” for Week 8. (Joe Person)
• Panthers LB Shaq Thompson was uncertain whether he would play in Week 8 and said his status will be determined on Saturday. (Joe Person)
• Panthers DC Phil Snow believes Thompson will play but be in a limited role. (Joe Person)

• Panthers QB Sam Darnold isn’t thinking about the QB Deshaun Watson trade rumors: “I’m not worried about it. I’m worried bout doing my job every single day.” (David Newton)
• Darnold added he needs to get his footwork right to get back into a rhythm. (Newton)

Saints

• Saints HC Sean Payton said it was hard to determine whether the Texans had any interest in trading RB Mark Ingram prior to acquiring him on Thursday: “A player like that, it’s hard to gauge if a team has any interest.” (Amie Just)
• Payton said he spoke with GM Mickey Loomis about trading for Ingram while in Seattle for Week 7’s Monday night game.
• Payton said Ingram will be eligible to practice on Friday. 
• As for Ingram playing in Week 8, Payton responded: “Absolutely.” (Nick Underhill)
• Nick Underhill reports that Saints G Andrus Peat is scheduled to undergo surgery on his torn pectoral on Friday. 

• According to TexansCap, the Saints take on a $1,083,334 cap charge by trading for RB Mark Ingram. Ingram also has $500,000 in rushing yards incentives available.