Sean Payton confirmed Tuesday that Jameis Winston will be the New Orleans Saints' Week One starter. It is not yet clear if the game will take place in New Orleans or elsewhere.
Payton stated that the Saints would prefer to stay in Dallas for the next few weeks, until they can return home after Hurricane Ida. They are likely to "host" their Week 1 match against the Green Bay Packers on Sept. 12, if they're unable to host it in New Orleans at the Caesars Superdome.
Payton said, "And we have enough fans in the area and Houston and certainly Northern Louisiana that that would be something that would be very realistic."
According to ESPN, despite Payton's statements, AT&T Stadium is not an option for Sept. 12. This is because of preparations for a Sept. 15 concert. It is not clear if the game can be played at a different time or if another stadium would need to host it.
The hurricane did not cause significant damage to the Superdome or the Saints' practice area in Metairie (La.). It could take several weeks for the power and other services in the region to come back on. This could make it difficult to host the opening game in New Orleans, as well as the security and staffing that will be needed.
Payton stated that the team has contingency plans in place to make a temporary home for Week 4, and then "reel it all back" from there, if they can return home sooner.
Payton stated that the team originally considered Oxnard in California as a location for their training camp. This is where the Cowboys host training camps and where the Saints spent one week in 2011. This didn't make any sense considering that the Saints' Week 2/3 games will be played on the East Coast, in Carolina, and at New England.
They also considered Indianapolis which was out due to a Guns N’ Roses concert and The Greenbrier resort, West Virginia which is expected host the San Francisco 49ers during Week 2.
Payton stated that an indoor practice area is also a priority. They would also have plenty of resources in Dallas, where they could practice at AT&T Stadium if necessary -- and where both SMU & TCU have offered to help.
Sean Payton, Coach of the Saints, said Tuesday that they plan to stay in Dallas for the next few weeks until they can return home after Hurricane Ida. AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth
Saints owner Gayle Benjamins announced a $1 million initial donation to help those affected by Hurricane Katrina. Other NFL owners announced donations Tuesday as well. These included Arthur Blank, Atlanta Falcons owner, who announced two grants totaling $1,000,000 to the American Red Cross, the Greater New Orleans Foundation and Leonard Fournette (Tampa Bay Buccaneers runningback), who tweeted that he was donating $100,000 to his home city of New Orleans.
Although the Saints' decision to relocate because of the storm was made quickly, the team had been planning for months to choose the starting quarterback. Payton stated that Winston was the final choice over Taysom hill because "he has done a great deal, he's earned it."
"The No. Leading your offense, moving the ball, and scoring points is the No. 1 priority. Payton stated that he feels like he has a unique skill set due to his arm talent. "He can get the ball down field," Payton said. He's done an excellent job in learning some of the progressions.
Payton stated that both Winston and Hill "competed to the bone"
Payton said, "I can't express enough how grateful I am for how these guys handled it," adding that Payton also mentioned that they feel good about the room, which includes rookie fourth-round draft selection Ian Book and veteran Trevor Siemian depending on the outcome of roster cuts or practice squad transactions.
Payton stated that he had heard speculations that Hill would be fired if they choose him to be their quarterback. "We could not make the decision based solely on that. Payton responded, "We wanted to see it completely from an open eye standpoint."
Payton stated that he had a good conversation with Hill even though it was difficult and disappointing for him to lose the starting QB job. Payton stated that he expects Hill to play a major role in the offense because of his unique position.
Payton stated, "I have a very clear vision relative how he will help us this year." Both of these are gonna be very important if we want to win and play well this year.
Payton stated that it is difficult to make roster cuts when players and their families are staying together at their Dallas-area hotel. This, on top of all the other issues that the Saints are currently dealing with.
Sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter, that Michael Thomas, a receiver, will be absent for the first five games due to injury. Running back Devonta Freeman will also be out. This is one of the most significant roster moves expected by the Saints.
This report was contributed by ESPN's Todd Archer.
