Saints Will Be Without 7 Coaches vs. Panthers Because of COVID-19 Protocols

The New Orleans Saints announced Friday they will be without seven coaches for Sunday's road game against the Carolina Panthers because of COVID-19 protocols.

Offensive coaches Jim Chaney, Declan Doyle, Phil Galiano, Curtis Johnson, Brendan Nugent, Dan Roushar, and Joel Thomas will all be unavailable with the remaining staff sharing responsibilities going forward.

Saints head coach Sean Payton announced six coaches tested positive for COVID-19 this week but all were vaccinated, per Mike Triplett of ESPN. They needed negative tests on Friday and Saturday to be cleared to participate in Sunday's game.

Payton said Friday the assistants have been away from the facility, but have still played a role in meetings while setting up the offense.

"And the No. 1 thing is they're getting rested and getting healthy," he added. 

Though Payton and offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael will be available, the staff will certainly be shorthanded offensively. Johnson is among the more experienced coaches on the staff as the senior offensive assistant and wide receivers coach. Roushar (run game coordinator/tight end coach), Nugent (offensive line coach) and Thomas (running backs coach) are also significant losses.

This news comes as the team also deals with several notable injuries:

The Saints are looking to keep their momentum after a dominant 38-3 win over the Green Bay Packers in Week 1.