Winston does not rule out starting against Vikings

New Orleans Saints quarterback Jameis Winston said he intends to start next Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings in London.

“That’s my plan,” the passer stated.

Winston said the team held him out of practice at the London Irish Facility on Wednesday, but he will be back for Thursday’s session.

“They told me I wouldn’t practice. It wasn’t my choice,” Winston referred. “I’m preparing like I do every week, getting ready to play.”

He had a “did not practice” designation Wednesday after being listed as limited in Week 2 and Week 3 because of back and ankle injuries.

“Really, it’s more about resting and making sure he’s healthy,” Saints head coach Dennis Allen told reporters after practice.

Backup quarterback Andy Dalton received reps in Winston’s place as he did during the preseason when Winston suffered a foot problem.

Taysom Hill, who made the switch to tight end this season after playing primarily at quarterback last season, was receiving backup reps. Allen said there has been a plan since the preseason to give him reps at quarterback in practice, but injuries changed that. Hill did not practice last week because of a rib injury.

“Not really,” Allen responded, when asked if it was related to Winston’s injury. “Again, that was part of the plan from the beginning, and he’s certainly had some injuries in training camp that have limited what we can do to move him around between positions.”

Wide receiver Michael Thomas did not practice Wednesday because of a foot injury, and wide receiver Jarvis Landry did not practice because of an ankle injury. Wide receiver Tre’Quan Smith (concussion) practiced on a limited basis. All three left last Sunday’s loss to the Panthers early with injuries.

“With all those guys, we’ll take it day by day,” Allen stated. “We expect them to be out sooner rather than later, but the train is still rolling.”