NFC South Notes: Buccaneers, Falcons, Saints

Buccaneers

• The Buccaneers hosted S A.J. Howard for a workout on Tuesday. (Howard Balzer)
• Tampa Bay worked out free agent QB Paxton Lynch on Wednesday. (NFLTR)

Falcons

Falcons RB Devonta Freeman (knee) told reporters on Wednesday that he’s “comfortable enough” to play against the Steelers on Sunday.

“I’m in-tune with my body and myself, so I know when I can be me,” Freeman said, via ESPN.com. “Just getting back out there when I’m comfortable enough. I think right now, I’m comfortable enough to get out there. I feel good. I feel explosive. I’m ready to run.’‘

• Falcons HC Dan Quinn said Wednesday that Freeman is expected to play in Week 5’s game against the Steelers, but they will be without DT Grady Jarrett (ankle).

Saints

Saints HC Sean Payton said that they expect RB Mark Ingram, who returned from suspension this week, to be ready to go for their Week 5 game against the Redskins.

“He wasn’t gone for a year and a half or been a castaway on an island,” Payton said, via The Times-Picayune. “It was four weeks. He’s in good shape.”

Payton explained that they plan to balance out the running workload now that Ingram is back.

“We’ll figure out the balance with the Redskins game and going forward each game,” Payton said. “You’re always looking at how you want to play the game.

“But, of course, a little bit more versatility with someone with Mark’s experience. I know it’ll be good for us offensively to have him back.”