NFC South Notes: Buccaneers, Panthers, Saints

Buccaneers

• According to Over the Cap, the Buccaneers are now in line to gain a third-round compensatory pick for LB Kwon Alexander following the release of DB Deone Bucannon Wednesday. 
• Compensatory picks are awarded by the NFL when a team loses more qualifying free agents than it gains. Before releasing Bucannon, Tampa Bay had signed four qualifying free agents and lost four. 
• Per the Athletic’s Greg Auman, the Buccaneers could also gain a fourth and a sixth-round pick for the loss of WR Adam Humphries and QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, who left for the Titans and Dolphins respectively, by releasing either or both of WR Breshad Perriman or P Bradley Pinion.
• Buccaneers HC Bruce Arians says DE Jason Pierre-Paul can start practicing with the team next week. (Carmen Vitali)
• Buccaneers DT Ndamukong Suh did not practice with a knee injury on Wednesday. (Pro Football Talk)

Panthers

• Per Max Henson of the team website, Panthers OC Norv Turner says he’s been impressed with how former UDFA RB Reggie Bonnafon has improved. Bonafon’s 59-yard touchdown run helped seal the win for the Panthers Sunday: “He’s probably improved more than anyone on offense over the last year and a half.”
• Panthers CB Donte Jackson returned to practice after missing two games with a groin injury. (Henson)
• Panthers second-round rookie OT Greg Little remains in the concussion protocol but will still travel with the team to London. (David Newton)

Saints

• Saints QB Drew Brees is reportedly hoping to return by Week 8, while the team is targeting Week 10 as a potential return date. (NFLTR)
• Saints LB Demario Davis won his appeal of a $7,017 fine for a uniform violation stemming from a headband with a personal message, which is against league policy. (Amie Just)