NFC Notes: Buccaneers, Rams, Saints

Buccaneers

Buccaneers HC Bruce Arians said Thursday that he has no plans to rebuild and expects the team to compete right away.

“I think we have the core here to win quickly,” Arians said, via Pro Football Talk. “I’m not about rebuilding. I’m about reloading.”

• Arians said he’s grateful for a “clean bill of health” and said the “rejuvenation” has him excited to be back in coaching in the NFL. (Greg Auman)
• Chris Mortensen of ESPN reports that the Bears made a “strong push” to sign Buccanneers’ new DC Todd Bowles, but he elected to join Bruce Arians in Tampa Bay.
• Alex Marvez reports that Nick Rapone is joining the Buccaneers’ coaching staff as their DBs coach.

Rams

Rams HC Sean McVay said that RB Todd Gurley “good to go” for their playoff game against the Cowboys.

“He looks like Todd,” McVay said, via Joe Curley of the Ventura County Star. “He looks like the explosive, great back that we’re used to seeing.”

Saints

Saints LT Terron Armstead (pectoral) returned to practice on Wednesday and said he will play in Sunday’s game against the Eagles if he is able to.

“That’s what I’m working toward, that’s the goal, that’s been the goal, trying to get to feeling as best as I possibly can to go out and do my job,” Armstead said, via Josh Katzenstein. “If I can do that, if I feel like I can function and produce, I’ll play for sure.”

Armstead added that it is not his choice whether he can play or not and is still awaiting medical clearance.

“It’s not a choice,” Armstead said. “If I can play, I’m playing.”