NFC South news as Camp begins

Article by Matt King

 

With Training Camp underway this week, it is just under two weeks until the first pre-season games, and football is ever closer! Hopefully you-know-what is firmly in the rear view mirror of whenever the hell it occurred and the news from inside the NFC South continues [as it always has] to come in.

This week, the Buccaneers will be preparing for the season without cornerback CJ Wilson [probably for the season, and maybe forever] after an off season firework mishap resulted in Wilson losing two fingers [index, middle] on the same hand and is unclear when he may return to football, if at all.
The Buccs also named Jameis Winston as starting QB and he told reporters “I believe we have a great team in place, I’m looking forward to the season I can’t wait”. Winston also stated that “My job right now is to play Quarterback”. All off season, Lovie Smith has been saying that whoever plays, will need to earn the job, which is what you’d expect. [Quotes sourced via NFL.Com]

The Panthers are looking for much from Kelvin Benjamin who this week told reporters “he’s feeling healthy and in good condition”. This will provide much relief to the Panthers fans who will have been concerned that he missed time over the offseason with hamstring troubles.
Stephen Hill has had a week he’d gladly soon forget with first being issued a citation for drug paraphernalia during a traffic stop, and on Saturday he was carried off the field with a right leg injury and has undergone an MRI and will be re-evaluated later today.  

The Falcons and Julio Jones will be sure to come a deal sooner rather than later, although as of yet, a deal is yet to be reached to extend the talented receiver. Jones recently told ESPN’s Vaughn McLure “I’m not going to hold out, I’d be being selfish if I’m not here. My Team mates need me to do what I do. They handle that side [Owners, Agent] I handle playing, showing up every day and putting in work”.

The Saints this week released Brodrick Bunkley due to a failed physical stemming for a failure to overcome a torn quad which ended his season in November. Bunkley should eventually land another within the NFL when healthy but could be a big loss to the Saints plans this season.
TE Orson Charles will miss the first game of the season against the Cardinals due to violating the league’s personal conduct policy, although he will be permitted to participate in all preseason practices and games in the build-up to the new season.