Saints QB Andy Dalton to replace Jameis Winston for another week

New Orleans Saints quarterback Jameis Winston said he didn’t expect to be permanently replaced by Andy Dalton after getting injured early in the season. Saints coach Dennis Allen announced Wednesday he would not switch Winston, which means the job will be Dalton’s for at least another week.

On October 2, the Saints began playing Dalton at quarterback against the Minnesota Vikings in London. In light of the team’s offensive struggles for the past two games, Allen hinted he might switch quarterbacks this week but ultimately decided not to do so.

Winston’s conversation with Allen in London gave Winston the impression that he would eventually return as the starter. The coach explained at the time that Winston was resting so his back and feet could heal. However, he moved Dalton to the starting role a few weeks later if the offense performed well.

“I lost my job due to injury and the policy has always been you don’t lose your job due to injury. And that’s what happened,” Winston said.

He admitted he probably shouldn’t have played against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers the following week after injuring his back in Week 1 against the Atlanta Falcons. Winston claimed he was healthy enough to play now, so that’s not the case. Even though Allen said Winston wouldn’t be at full strength this season, Winston said he has been improving since he hasn’t been active.

Several players are likely to miss Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Rams, including Winston. Cameron Jordan, who has never missed a game in his 12-year career due to injury, will sit out this game due to an eye injury. One of Jordan’s eyes nearly swelled shut during last week’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Additionally, the Saints will be without defensive end Marcus Davenport, running back Mark Ingram II, safety J.T. Gray, cornerback Marshon Lattimore, left tackle James Hurst and linebacker Pete Werner. It is also unclear whether left guard Andrus Peat will be able to play this week.