Jameis Winston is playing hurt. Seriously hurt.
The Saints quarterback will line up against the Buccaneers with four fractures in his back, Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer reported Sunday morning, from his L1 to L4 vertebrae. Exactly how limited he’ll be as a result isn’t clear, though he helped pilot a fourth-quarter comeback last week against the Falcons. Winston will wear extra padding to help protect his back during the game.
He’ll be facing the team that drafted him first overall in 2015 for the second time in his career, having suffered a torn ACL against Tampa last season. The Saints have beaten the Bucs in four straight regular-season games since Tom Brady joined Tampa Bay.
The focus now is on making it five, and on making sure Winston doesn’t suffer another injury in the process.
Saints quarterback Jameis Winston motions downfield against the Falcons on Sept. 11, 2022.Getty Images
Saints quarterback Jameis Winston (2) hits the turf after throwing a pass against the Falcons.AP“Hopefully I don’t have to relive that moment again,” Winston said this week, referring to his knee injury. “I’m just pressing forward and keeping my eyes focused on this week.”
Both teams come in at 1-0 after the Bucs dispatched the Cowboys on “Sunday Night Football” last week, 19-3.
