Saints will be without seven coaches for Week 2 vs. Panthers due to COVID-19 protocol – CBSSports.com

NFL: New Orleans Saints at Arizona Cardinals
Matt Kartozian / USA TODAY Sports

Due to COVID-19 protocol, the New Orleans Saints will be without seven members of their coaching staff when they face the Panthers in Charlotte on Sunday. The Saints’ coaches who won’t 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, senior offensive assistant/receivers coach Curtis Johnson, run 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 injured reserve on Friday. Carl Granderson is in line to replace Davenport in the starting lineup, while Zack Baun will look to fill Alexander’s spot. Pete Werner, who shares a backup spot with Baun behind Alexander on the depth chart, has been ruled out of Sunday’s game with a hamstring injury. 

Coach Sean Payton also announced Friday that the team is planning on returning to New Orleans prior to the team’s Week 4 home game against the Giants. The Saints are currently training at Texas Christian University. The Saints left New Orleans following Hurricane Ida’s touchdown late last month. 

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