Seven Saints coaches to miss game Sunday due to COVID-19 protocols

Seven assistant coaches for the New Orleans Saints will not be in attendance for Sunday’s game against Carolina due to COVID-19 protocols, the team reported Friday. Offensive analyst Jim Chaney, offensive assistant Declan Doyle, assistant special teams coach Phil Galiano, senior offensive assistant/receivers Curtis Johnson, offensive line Brendan Nugent, run game coordinator/tight ends Dan Roushar and running backs Joel Thomas will all miss Sunday’s game.

Their duties are to be divided evenly among the offensive staff, per the team. The Saints could also be without a few key players. Defensive end Marcus Davenport and linebacker Kwon Alexander were both sent to the injured reserve list Friday. Additionally, cornerback Marshon Lattimore is questionable.

New Orleans is coming off of an impressive 38-3 victory against Green Bay in Week 1. They now face the task of slowing down another prolific offense that includes playmaker Christian McCaffrey.

Quarterback Jameis Winston looked good in his first game as the Saints official starter. He threw for only 148 yards, but also added five touchdowns and no interceptions. It was the efficiency we failed to see from the former Florida State Seminole while he was in Tampa Bay.

It was the Saints defense, however, that stole the show.

The held the Packers to just 43 yards rushing and forced three turnovers. Aaron Rodgers had his first game with multiple interceptions since 2017. That rushing defense will be even more important Sunday, as McCaffrey is perhaps the best back in the league.

The matchup is an important one for New Orleans, as it is the first contest this year against a team from the NFC South. The Saints won the division in 2020, finishing 12-4 and edging out Tampa Bay. However, with Drew Brees now gone, the Buccaneers are the clear favorite to take the crown.

New Orleans can change that narrative with another impressing outing Sunday. With the Saints missing seven assistant coaches due to COVID-19 and possibly some key players, it won’t be easy. We’ll find out how they respond to adversity soon enough.