NFC South Notes: Buccaneers, Falcons, Panthers, Saints

Buccaneers

• Bleacher Report’s Mike Freeman writes that unless a team makes an incredible offer, the Buccaneers won’t trade TE O.J. Howard.
• Buccaneers QB Jameis Winston said part of the reason Howard’s production has dipped this year is that he’s lining up more on the line of scrimmage and defenders are jamming him. (Jenna Laine)
• Buccaneers G Alex Cappa and LB Jack Cichy will miss Tampa Bay’s game this week. (Greg Auman)

Falcons

Sources tell Zach Klein of WSB-TV Atlanta that Falcons WR Julio Jones interrupted a team meeting to take the blame away from HC Dan Quinn for the team’s 1-6 record. 

“This man has done everything for us…it’s on us.. it’s not on Q [Quinn],” said Jones. 

• Per ESPN’s Vaughn McClure, Falcons HC Dan Quinn claimed the team would have made the deal sending WR Mohamed Sanu to the Patriots for a second-round pick no matter what their record had been. 
• Quinn added there’s a lot of calls that take place before the trade deadline: “There’s more talking than doing.” (McClure)
• Falcons QB Matt Ryan did not practice Wednesday. (Kelsey Conway)

Panthers

• According to the Athletic’s Joe Person, the Panthers were never in contention to trade for WR Emmanuel Sanders despite a report linking them to the veteran receiver. 
• Person adds the Panthers are happy with their current trio of receivers and likely won’t look to add another at the deadline. 
• Person writes the Panthers won’t consider trading QB Cam Newton until the offseason, if at all.
• Panthers HC Ron Rivera says Newton’s rehab from his foot injury is going well: “So far, so good.” (Person)
• Rivera added that while sixth-round rookie OT Dennis Daley missed practice Wednesday, it was more of a precautionary absence to protect his availability this week: “Rest was the best thing.” (Max Henson)

Saints

• ESPN’s Dan Graziano reports the Saints are one of several teams still interested in potentially trading for receiver help.
• Although Mike Triplett writes he isn’t ruling out the Saints making a trade prior to the deadline, he doesn’t expect New Orleans to fill their two open roster spots by trade acquisitions on Wednesday. 
• Per Kyle Odegard of the Cardinals’ team website, Saints HC Sean Payton said QB Drew Brees was able to practice Wednesday and could be a game-time decision on Sunday against Arizona.