The Panthers and Saints are not only battling for the NFC South title, but following an impressive week, the two teams remain contenders for the NFC title. If New Orleans is going to keep pace, it may have to do so without Kenny Vaccaro, who suffered a concussion on Sunday.
NFC South injury report, Week 10: Saints Kenny Vaccaro expected to miss at least a week
The Saints and Panthers both picked up big wins this week, but one of the teams is now expected to be without one of its key young players for at least a week.
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Here’s a complete look at the NFC South injury report.
Atlanta
The Falcons dropped to 2-7 on the season with a loss to Seattle and Atlanta continues to deal with injury issues. Tight end Tony Gonzalez suffered a toe injury against Seattle. Gonzalez returned to the game and played through the injury, but said he would have to wait and see how it responds during the week, according to Vaughn McClure. Gonzalez has not missed a game since 2006.
Sam Baker missed Sunday's game and head coach Mike Smith said he is concerned about the left tackle's knee injury because it has lingered all season. There is a chance Baker will be placed on injured reserve. Atlanta will get some good news, with the return of linebacker Sean Weatherspoon, who is expected to be activated from injured reserve early this week.
Carolina
The Panthers scratched out a road win against San Francisco and managed to remain relatively healthy in the process. Ted Ginn left the game briefly due to leg cramps but returned to action. Linebacker Chase Blackburn has battled a foot injury and re-aggravated it on Sunday. He did not return to the game, but head coach Ron Rivera said the injury will not require surgery according to Joe Person.
New Orleans
New Orleans blew out Dallas on Sunday Night Football, but the Saints suffered a couple of injuries in the process. Both Benjamin Watson and Vaccaro suffered concussions. They left the game and did not return. Vaccaro is expected to miss Week 11 and possibly longer, according to Ian Rapoport.
Tight end Jimmy Graham played limited snaps against the Cowboys with New Orleans attempting to manage his foot injury. He avoided a setback and could be on the field more in the coming weeks. The Saints could also get a pair of players back soon with Malcolm Jenkins and Roman Harper close to returning, according to Mike Triplett.
Tampa Bay
The team officially lost Doug Martin for the season earlier in the week. He was placed on injured reserve due to a torn labrum suffered in Week 7. Mike James, who was filling in for Martin, suffered an ankle injury during the first quarter on Monday. According to Rapoport, James suffered a fractured ankle.
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