Sean Payton provides update on Jameis Winston knee injury

According to New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton, starting quarterback Jameis Winston suffered a “significant” knee injury against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The injury occurred early in the second quarter, and left Winston on crutches postgame.

Jameis Winston will likely undergo further tests on the knee injury over the coming week, but many fear bad news. NFL Network’s Ian Rapaport called the injury a “potentially season-ending situation.”

Following the injury, Winston had to be helped off the field following an awkward horse collar tackle. He was taken for evaluation in the blue medical tent on the sideline. The medical staff held Winston in the tent for a long time as a motorized cart waited outside. Teammates Alvin Kamara and Terron Armstead were also seen walking into the tent to check on him.

“An apparent ACL injury, as well as potential damage to the MCL,” Rapaport later tweeted.

Sean Payton emotional after Jameis Winston injury

Head coach Sean Payton has clearly developed an emotional bond with starting quarterback Jameis Winston. After a disappointing stint as the Buccaneers starter, Winston bet on himself by signing with the Saints. He spent 2020 behind future Hall of Famer Drew Brees, hoping for a shot in 2021.

Eventually, the opportunity came, and Winston stepped up to the challenge. He beat returning do-it-all quarterback Taysom Hill in a preseason competition and took over the offensive reigns.

Through the first six games of the season, Winston has impressed with his decision-making as the Saints started with a 4-2 record entering Sunday. Winston had also thrown 13 touchdowns to just three interceptions coming into Sunday’s game, and has posted a passer rating over 100 in four games.

Jameis Winston was awarded a game ball for his early efforts in the 36-27 win over Tom Brady’s Buccaneers. He left the game 6-for-10 with 56 yards and an early touchdown, adding four carries for 40 yards.

After his departure, backup quarterback Trevor Siemian saw rare action. He went 16-for-29 with 159 yards and a touchdown, guiding the offense for three quarters.

A 40-yard pick six from Saints cornerback P.J. Williams sealed the game with less than two minutes remaining. In total, the defense forced three turnovers, helping the offense control time of possession with a plus-10 advantage in first downs.

During his postgame press conference, coach Sean Payton told reporters he teared up when he met Jameis Winston inside the locker room. According to The Athletic’s Katherine Terrell, the coach also showed emotion talking about the postgame encounter.