NFC South Morning Jog: Preseason Games Start Thursday, Set You Viewing Schedule

Each morning, I like to start the day off with a workout—usually a morning jog. I can clear my head, plan my day, and think about what’s going on around the NFC South.

NFC South

Preseason games start Thursday. Just so you can get your viewing schedule set early, here's when and where each NFC South is playing:

Thursday, Aug. 9 (7:30 p.m. ET) - Baltimore at Atlanta, NFL RedZone

Thursday, Aug. 9 (7:30 p.m. ET) - New Orleans at New England, NFL RedZone

Friday, Aug. 10 (7:30 p.m. ET) - Tampa Bay at Miami, NFL RedZone

Saturday, Aug. 11 (7 p.m. ET)  - Houston at Carolina, NFL Network

Atlanta Falcons

Atlanta Field Report spoke Tuesday with wide receiver Kevin Cone, who's locked in a heated position battle with Drew Davis for the WR5 spot.

Head coach Mike Smith told the media Tuesday that the exact number of reps had not been decided on yet but he expected the starters to play a quarter and maybe into the second on Thursday against the Baltimore Ravens. [Atlanta Journal-Constitution]

Carolina Panthers

The Panthers released a depth chart Tuesday that had rookie Luke Kuechly listed behind Thomas Davis at weakside linebacker. [Rock Hill Herald]

Armanti Edwards has impressed the coaching staff enough to get second-team reps in practice. [Charlotte Observer]

New Orleans Saints

Cornerbacks Jabari Greer and Patrick Robinson were already injured before Johnny Patrick left Tuesday's practice with an apparent back injury, according to the Times-Picayune. That's a very hobbled secondary right now.

Friday will be a big day for the New Orleans Saints, but not for anything that happens on the field. A morning hearing is set for a decision to be made on Jonathan Vilma's request for an injunction against his NFL suspension. [Times-Picayune]

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

New offensive coordinator Mike Sullivan and quarterback Josh Freeman are bonding quickly and Sullivan knows Tampa Bay's success on offense begins with improved quarterback play. [Tampa Tribune]

This is the first season left guard Carl Nicks has been with the Buccaneers. His former team, the New Orleans Saints, had a stellar offense. So when Nicks says the Bucs are going to surprise some teams on offense this season, you should listen. [Fox Sports Florida]

It's been no secret that Greg Schiano is running a tight pirate ship in Tampa. But the Tampa Bay Times reported that the offense dropped a lot of passes in practice on Tuesday, potentially because of tired legs. Schiano said there will be no let up, the players will stay in pads and prepare for Friday's game in Miami.