Saints TE, UGA alum Benjamin Watson could miss NFC title game

Tight end Benjamin Watson is expected to be inactive when the New Orleans Saints host the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Championship Game on Sunday, according to a report by ESPN.

ESPN reported that Watson’s missed practices on Wednesday and Thursday were because of appendicitis. He has not had surgery to remove his appendix.

However, the Saints listed Watson as questionable on Friday’s injury report. The team said Watson was a limited practice participant on Friday.

New Orleans ruled out receiver Keith Kirkwood (calf) after he missed the week’s three practices.

Watson, 38, announced in December he planned to retire after this season.

If Watson doesn’t play, that will leave quarterback Drew Brees without one of his offensive weapons. On the season, Watson had 35 catches for 400 yards with two touchdowns.

In his career, he has played in 195 games for the New England Patriots (2004-09), Cleveland Browns (2010-12), New Orleans (2013-15, 2018) and Baltimore Ravens (2017). He has played in 12 playoff games and won a Super Bowl with the Patriots in his rookie season.

The Rams didn’t list any players on Friday’s injury report.

–Field Level Media