When the Saints go marching into London, they'll be without their lead signal-caller.
Quarterback Jameis Winston has been dealing with a back injury since the opening game of the season. The ailment has gotten progressively worse, so much so that Winston missed three days of practice this week and was listed as doubtful by Friday.
On Saturday, the Saints confirmed that Winston would not play, officially downgrading him to out for the game against the Vikings.
The Saints have downgraded QB Jameis Winston from doubtful to out.
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) October 1, 2022
Winston's injury means that backup Andy Dalton will take the reins. Dalton and Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins have faced each other across the pond before, in a 27-27 tie (or draw, as the British would say) between the Bengals and Washington in 2016.
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Here's what you need to know about Winston's injury, as well as a potential timetable for his return to the field.
Why Jameis Winston won't start for the Saints in Week 4
Winston has been playing through a back injury in recent weeks. According to Fox Sports' Lindsay Czarniak, Winston's said his injury is a "transverse fracture" in his back. That makes mobility difficult, particularly when Winston puts weight on his back foot.
New Orleans' training staff suited Winston with four layers of padding and a custom back plate for the team's Week 3 loss to the Panthers. Winston got through the game, racking 353 passing yards and a touchdown. He also threw two interceptions.
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Winston indicated that he had been ruled out of practice this week, contradicting coach Dennis Allen, who said Winston took a rest day Wednesday. Nonetheless, it appears Winston's injury is more severe than Allen and his staff believed. He'll miss the game, and it remains to be seen when he will return. Winston is also nursing an ankle injury.
Who is the Saints' starting QB in Week 4?
Andy Dalton will get the nod Sunday. The 34-year old took first-team snaps Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. The "Red Rifle" has made 15 starts over the past two years between the Cowboys and Bears.
"I've been in this situation before where you're the backup and have to step in and play, and I’ve also played in a ton of games and started a ton of games," Dalton said Friday, per ESPN's Katherine Terrell. "My experience, I know how to handle the whole process of everything. If my number is called . . . I'll be ready."