NFC South Morning Jog: Curtis Ofton Continued to Play on High-Ankle Sprain

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.

New Orleans Saints

Linebacker Curtis Lofton told the Times-Picayune that he hurt his ankle on the fifth play of the game and continued to play "about 25 more reps" before leaving the game. Lofton said he'll be ready to play by the Saints regular-season opener.

Defensive end Junior Galette said he's not cutting his beard until the Saints win a Super Bowl. Galette has shown flashes of brilliance in the preseason and could help New Orleans reach that goal if he can be a part of bolstering their pass rush (Times-Picayune).

Atlanta Falcons

Julio Jones doesn't think any defense on the planet can figure out how to handle all of Atlanta's weapons on offense. "You know what I would do? Just pack up my stuff and go home," Jones told Yahoo! Sports after practice on Saturday. "I mean, who are you gonna double? Tony? Roddy? Me? That's six people. What are you gonna do?"

Michael Turner is not worried at all about his 14 yards on eight carries through two preseason games, according to Fox Sports South. "It's preseason. This stuff doesn't matter right now. Just get a little work in and get out there."

Carolina Panthers

Cam Newton hasn't let success go to his head, according to Carolina's official website. Players say he hasn't changed a bit with mega stardom and has become an even better teammate.

On a linebacker depth chart loaded with question marks, James Anderson stands out as the anchor of stability. Jon Beason and Thomas Davis are battling back from injuries that sapped their seasons in 2011. Rookie linebacker Luke Kuechly is faring well, but he is still making rookie mistakes (Panthers.com).

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Defensive tackle Roy Miller wants to shed his label as "Underachiever" and show why the Buccaneers drafted him in the third round of the 2009 draft. Miller dropped 15 pounds prior to training camp and wants to put the knee and back issues that pushed him from his starting spot in the past (Tampa Tribune).

New wide receiver Jordan Shipley showed he was healthy Tuesday with an 85-yard punt return for a touchdown in practice. Shipley was claimed off waivers Monday after tearing his ACL and MCL last season and failing to show Cincinnati his normal burst of speed (Tampa Tribune).