NFC South Notes: Buccaneers, Falcons, Panthers, Saints

Buccaneers

• According to ESPN’s Jenna Laine, the Buccaneers are doing their due diligence on quarterbacks in this year’s draft, as QB Jameis Winston‘s deal is up at the end of 2019 and his status beyond that is uncertain. 
• Laine adds re-signing LB Shaquil Barrett will be a no-brainer following the 27-year-old’s breakout season. 
• Laine mentions there are mixed feelings in the organization about TE O.J. Howard, who isn’t emphasized in HC Bruce Arians‘ offense. 
• Tampa Bay will have decisions to make on DT Ndamukong Suh, DE Jason Pierre-Paul, LB Carl Nassib, who are all potential free agents at the end of the season. 
• The Buccaneers also have opportunities to move on from LB Lavonte David, C Ryan Jensen, TE Cameron Brate and DL William Gholston, who no longer have any guaranteed money on their deals. 

Falcons

Falcons HC Dan Quinn is firmly on the hot seat as Atlanta enters the back half of its schedule. With only a limited amount of time to prove that he should remain as the Falcons head coach, Quinn talked to his team about hitting the reset button and treating the final eight games as an entirely new season. 

“I told everybody if we have a chance to elevate in every space that we do, we’re going to try for it,” Quinn said via the Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s D. Orlando Ledbetter. “Players, coaches, the whole thing. It’s going to take a lot of energy and discipline to do that, but we’ve got plenty to work on. This Sunday, we are looking to how we want to play. We are going to focus on that as much as we can. Let’s get it right.”

Panthers

• Per the Athletic’s Joseph Person, Panthers HC Ron Rivera says the next two days will be key to evaluating CB James Bradberry‘s (groin) availability for Sunday. 
• Panthers WR Chris Hogan worked to the side with trainers at practice Wednesday and is expected to be designated to return from injured reserve by Carolina. (Jourdan Rodrigue)

Saints

• Per Nola.com’s Amie Just, Saints QB Drew Brees said he will continue wearing the splint on his surgically repaired right thumb this season: “I just feel comfortable doing it. I don’t know how long that’ll be, but we’ll see. But it feels fine.”
• Saints HC Sean Payton said he expects to have RB Alvin Kamara this week against the Falcons: “I fully expect him to be ready to play, and I thought he looked really good yesterday (in practice).” (Mike Triplett)