NFC Notes: Diontae Johnson, Alvin Kamara, Buccaneers, Panthers, Saints

Buccaneers

• Though the Buccaneers have now been connected to a lot of available receivers, ESPN’s Dan Graziano and Jeremy Fowler point out it’s not the team’s style to splurge picks and cash at the deadline.
• They note Tampa Bay will first look to young receivers like third-rounder Jalen McMillan and Trey Palmer to step up into bigger roles. They could also lean more on their trio of backs — Rachaad White, fourth-rounder Bucky Irving and Sean Tucker.
• Buccaneers HC Todd Bowles said LB SirVocea Dennis (shoulder) underwent surgery and won’t be available this season unless they make the postseason, via Rick Stroud. 
• When asked about the possibility of acquiring a receiver, QB Baker Mayfield said he is still confident in their current group following injuries to Mike Evans and Chris Godwin: “I’m confident in the guys we have.” (Greg Auman)

Panthers

Panthers QB Bryce Young discussed the difficulties of being demoted to backup after being the first overall pick in the NFL draft a little less than two years ago.

“It’s obviously difficult,” he said, via Panthers Wire. “I think, regardless of the walk of life, you can relate to just trying to do the right things and be consistent in what you do—especially if there’s adversity. So, definitely, there were struggles. But I’m not the only person going through something. I’m not the only person struggling.”

• ESPN’s Dan Graziano and Jeremy Fowler say there’s an expectation around the league that the Panthers will look to trade veteran WR Diontae Johnson before the trade deadline. Carolina could also make 2023 second-round WR Jonathan Mingo available. 

Saints

• Saints GM Mickey Loomis said he feels their “avalanche of injuries” has contributed to their five-game losing streak: “I think just this avalanche of injuries we’ve had, all sorts of different types … and different circumstances.” (Katherine Terrell)
• Loomis said there are some commonalities in their amount of injuries and are examining ways to prevent them going forward: “I think the volume and the position-specific nature of a lot of these injuries is what’s disturbing. We’ve got to find ways to avoid that circumstance. … So we’re looking at everything.” (Terrell)
• Loomis said they eyed recently signed WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling coming out of college: “Probably hasn’t gone as well as he would’ve liked, but he’s talented … he’s got a lot of traits that we like.” (Terrell)
• Saints HC Dennis Allen said fifth-round QB Spencer Rattler is expected to start Week 8, while Derek Carr (oblique) has resumed throwing but is unlikely to return this week, via Mike Triplett.  
• As for RB Alvin Kamara‘s two-year extension, Allen said: “Alvin has been a great player for us. … I think this year he’s been outstanding. … he’s done the things we’ve asked him to do and I think that guys who do that get rewarded.” (Terrell)
• Kamara said he could’ve waited to reach the open market next offseason but wanted to stay put in New Orleans. (Terrell)
• The Saints worked out three interior offensive linemen this week including C Sincere Haynesworth, C Corey Luciano and G Brady Latham, per Howard Balzer. 
• Of this group, New Orleans signed Haynesworth to their practice squad.