By ROY LANG III, Journal Sports
The New Orleans Saints are in a foreign country with a new QB1. Jameis Winston, who has battled a litany of injuries this season, is expected to give way to backup Andy Dalton when the Saints face Minnesota (2-1) at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London (8:30 a.m., NFL Network) this morning.
This isn’t unfamiliar territory for the Saints (1-2) or the 34-year-old Dalton. Last season, New Orleans played nine games without Winston, who is listed as “doubtful” with fractured bones in his back that he’s had since the season opener.
Dalton and Justin Fields shared starts for the Chicago Bears last season. For Dallas in 2020, Dalton was the fill-in for Dak Prescott after the former Haughton star suffered a severe leg injury early in the season.
Dalton was 4-5 as a starter for the Cowboys in 2020.
“Andy has done this,” Saints head coach Dennis Allen told the media. “He’s performed at a high level in our league, and that’s really one of the big reasons why we brought him here, is in case he’s called upon. We feel highly confident that he can go in and do the job. We’re kind of looking in that direction. We’ll take it to the last minute, but I think it’s doubtful that Jameis plays.”
Wide receiver Mike Thomas, already listed as “out” due to a foot injury, is another member of a long injury report for the Saints.
Meanwhile, the Cowboys will try to win their third straight game this season with backup quarterback Cooper Rush.
Rush, who’s spelled Prescott after a hand injury in Week 1, has helped Dallas beat Cincinnati and the New York Giants. Sunday, another NFC East foe visits AT&T Stadium in Arlington (noon, FOX).
The Washington Commanders (1-2) are looking for their first victory in the division this season.
The Cowboys’ defense, with big contributions from former Woodlawn standout Donovan Wilson, has not allowed more than 19 points in a game this season.
Dallas found its run game in Week 3 against the Giants. Tony Pollard collected 105 yards on 13 carries, while Ezekiel Elliott posted 73 yards on 15 carries.
Saints vs. Vikings
Sunday, 8:30 a.m. (NFL Network)
At Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London
Commanders at Cowboys
Sunday, noon (FOX)
AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
Contact Roy at roylangiii@yahoo.com
