Vikings Likely to Face Backup QB Andy Dalton

The Minnesota Vikings did not know which New Orleans Saints quarterback they’d be facing, when they landed in London early this morning. But that picture got a little bit clearer moments ago, when Jameis Winston was reported as “doubtful” to play on Sunday.

That means, the starting quarterback for the Saints is expected to be 34-year-old veteran, Andy Dalton (more on him below the tweet). But Jameis Winston is far from New Orleans’ only injury concerns this weekend. In the same tweet that reported Jameis’ status, Tom Pelissero announced star wide receiver Michael Thomas as “Out”.

#Saints WR Michael Thomas is out and QB Jameis Winston is doubtful for Sunday, per coach Dennis Allen.

Andy Dalton in line to start against the #Vikings in London.

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 30, 2022

Seeing Red

If Andy Dalton starts Sunday morning, it’ll be the third-straight year that he’s started vs the Minnesota Vikings. All three will have been on different teams. In 2020, he and the Dallas Cowboys daggered Zimmer & Co late and won 31-28. Last season, Dalton QB’d the Chicago Bears in week 17. That game ended as a 31-17 Vikings victory.

Andy Dalton had three touchdowns for the Cowboys in 2020, but only threw for 203 yards. Last year for the Bears, he threw for 325 yards, but had more interceptions (2) than touchdowns (1). In all reality, a good team beats this New Orleans Saints team, no matter which two of their quarterbacks is playing.

Unless in-his-prime Drew Brees flying in to save the day, this is a team that’s banged up and had plenty of issues even before that.

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan