NFL: Jameis Winston is ruled OUT of New Orleans Saints’ London match against Minnesota Vikings

Jameis Winston will not be starting for New Orleans in their regular season match with Minnesota in London Sunday morning.  

The Saints announced Saturday afternoon that Winston had been downgraded from doubtful to out. 

Winston had not practiced all week after dealing with ankle and back injuries. More specifically, the former No. 1 overall pick was nursing four fractured vertebrae which occurred prior to the Saints’ defeat at Carolina. 

Jameis Winston flew to London with New Orleans but will not play Sunday vs. Minnesota

In his place will be former Cincinnati Bengal, Dallas Cowboy and Chicago Bear, Andy Dalton. 

New Orleans will also be without star receiver Michael Thomas who was ruled out earlier this week. 

Both Thomas and Winston flew to London with hopes of taking part in the regular season game on English turf.

Winston endured a difficult last game vs. Carolina, throwing two interceptions in the 22-14 loss in Charlotte. 

Backup quarterback Andy Dalton will start his first game as a New Orleans Saints player

Dalton, affectionately known as The Red Rocket, will face opposing quarterback, Kirk Cousins, in London just like they did in 2016. 

Then, Cousins was quarterbacking for Washington while Dalton was the Bengals’ signal-caller. Neither QB won with the Bengals and Washington playing out a 27-27 tie. 

New Orleans are currently 1-2 following losses to their NFC South rival, Panthers and Buccaneers. 

Meanwhile, Minnesota sit atop the NFC North with a 2-1 record after producing a thrilling comeback vs. Detroit last Sunday. 

Minnesota quarterback Kirk Cousins has faced off against Dalton in London once prior in 2016