Saints to be without seven coaches for Week 2 against Panthers due to COVID-19 protocol

Due to COVID-19 protocol, the New Orleans Saints will be deprived of seven members of their coaching staff when they face the Panthers in Charlotte on Sunday. Saints’ coaches who will not be able to participate in Sunday’s game are offensive line coach Brendan Nugent, running backs coach Joel Thomas, offensive analyst Jim Chaney, offensive assistant Declan Doyle, assistant coach / main offensive receivers Curtis Johnson, running game coordinator, tight ends coach Dan Roushar and assistant special teams coach Phil Galiano.

The Saints will also be without the services of defensive end Marcus Davenport and linebacker Kwon Alexander, who were placed on the injured list on Friday. Carl Granderson is in the running to replace Davenport in the starting lineup, while Zack Baun will look to fill Alexander’s place. Pete Werner, who shares a save spot with Baun behind Alexander on the depths board, was ruled out of Sunday’s game with a hamstring injury.

Coach Sean Payton also announced on Friday that the team plan to return to New Orleans ahead of the Team’s Week 4 home game against the Giants. The Saints are currently training at Texas Christian University. The Saints left New Orleans after the Hurricane Ida hit at the end of last month.

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