NFC South Notes: Buccaneers, Falcons, Panthers

Buccaneers

• Buccaneers HC Dirk Koetter said that the decision to fire DC Mike Smith was the “second-most difficult” thing he’s had to do in his career, behind losing a player at Boise State. (Jenna Laine)
• According to Koetter, DT Gerald McCoy is dealing with a calf injury but they won’t have an update until Wednesday. (Rick Stroud)

Falcons

• Ian Rapoport reports that an MRI on Falcons WR Calvin Ridley’s ankle came back “pretty clean” and the plan the, for now, is for him to rehab the issue and monitor his progress.
• Falcons HC Dan Quinn announced that K Matt Bryant (hamstring strain) is out for Week 7 and RB Devonta Freeman (groin, foot) will most likely miss the game as well. (Vaughn McClure)
• According to Quinn said free agent K Giorgio Tavecchio is on their radar: “He’s definitely one that we are considering.” (D. Orlando Ledbetter)
• Regarding DT Grady Jarrett, Quinn said: “We’re hopefully that we’ll have Grady back this week.’‘ (Vaughn McClure)
• Quinn is “hopeful” WR Mohamed Sanu (hip) and WR Calvin Ridley (ankle) will be ready for Week 7. (Jason Butt)

Panthers

Panthers rookie WR D.J. Moore lost two fumbles in the first half, but HC Ron Rivera explained that they’re still focused on developing him, as opposed to punishing him for the mistakes.

“We’re trying to develop a football team,” Rivera said, via the Charlotte Observer. “I’m not too concerned about punishing players for making mistakes as much as we are about developing them and making sure they’re learning and growing and being able to go forward with them.”

• According to Rivera, TE Greg Olsen responded well to playing as much as he did. “That’s what we can expect from Greg going forward.” (Max Henson)
• Rivera said of the limited playing time for WR Curtis Samuel and RB C.J. Anderson: Scheme-related. “We’re going to play the guys that the coaches see fit.” (Joe Person)
• Rivera mentioned that DL Kyle Love and CB Donte Jackson were dealing with shoulder issues yesterday, but he thinks the team came out well injury-wise. (Joe Person)