Sports Writing, September 30 (EFE) .- The New Orleans Saints of the NFL will not be able to count for their game this Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings in London with Michael Thomas and Andrus Peat, Jameis Winston, Alvin Kamara and Jarvis are also in doubt Landry.
It was reported Friday that Thomas, their star receiver, a three-time Pro Bowl selection, is out with a foot injury and center Andrus Peat is recovering from a concussion.
Saints coach Dennis Allen bemoaned both losses, while also acknowledging that it’s unlikely that quarterback Jameis Winston, who has ankle and back injuries, will be able to play.
“It’s doubtful that Jameis will be there, so our plan right now is to use Andy. We’ll see how things go on Saturday, but Andy will be ready to take over,” the backup quarterback coach explained Andy Dalton.
Saints-Vikings in London will be the first of five international games the NFL has scheduled for this 2022 outside the United States, three of which will be in England, one in Germany and one in Mexico.
Given the opportunity to start his first game of the season, Andy Dalton, 34, said he won’t mind leading the offense against the Vikings.
“Whatever happens, I know I’ll be ready. This week I’ve had more practice time. I know and I’ve adjusted to these guys,” Dalton said.
The Saints also expect an improvement from the discomfort suffered by their running back, Alvin Kamara, with a rib injury; and receiver Jarvis Landry, with an ankle injury.
Kamara is the engine of the offense, the five-time Pro Bowler was the team leader in 2021 with 898.
This campaign, rib problems have allowed him to accumulate only 100 yards, which he gained against the Falcons and Panthers, in weeks one and three; and lost the game against the Buccaneers.
Sunday will be Saints’ third game in London, albeit their first at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. They have played twice at Wembley Stadium: in 2008 they beat the Chargers 37-32 and in 2017 they beat the Dolphins 20-0.
In addition to this clash, London will host this year’s week five game between the Giants and Packers on October 9, also at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and Broncos-Jaguars from week eight on October 30 at Wembley Stadium.
The NFL International Series will conclude with the Seahawks vs. Buccaneers matchup at the Allianz Arena in Munich in Week 10 and the 49ers-Cardinals matchup corresponding to Week 11 on Nov. 21 at Azteca Stadium in Mexico City.
(c) EFE Agency