NEW ORLEANS – The New Orleans Saints placed quarterback Jameis Winston on the NFL / COVID-19 list Sunday morning, which means he will not be available for Sunday’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Saints now have only two defenders on their active roster – incumbent Drew Brees and backup Taysom Hill – after releasing veteran Trevor Siemian on Saturday. This means that Hill’s typical role as a runner and receiver on offense could be limited.
The plan was for Winston to serve as a backup for Brees so that Hill could be cast in other roles.
The saints did not specify whether Winston tested positive for COVID-19 or whether last-minute tests were required based on contact tracking. Teams are not required to disclose whether players are positive or have been found to be at risk due to exposure or other reasons.
Fortunately for New Orleans, Brees has just been activated from the injured reserve this week after missing the last four games due to 11 broken ribs and a perforated lung. ESPN’s Dianna Russini reported that the Saints felt confident that Brees would be able to start this week after a positive workout with coaches on Monday – and that she continued to look good throughout the week.
Earlier this season, Saints coach Sean Payton declined to reveal who will serve as the team’s emergency defender, if necessary. A candidate is likely to run Alvin Kamara, who has already lined up at QB in some Wildcat packages this season and is 1-of-1 passing for his 13-meter career.