Saints QB Jameis Winston yet to practice this week ahead of game vs. Vikings

 For the third consecutive day, New Orleans Saints quarterback Jameis Winston was not seen on the practice field as the team gears up to play the Minnesota Vikings in the U.K. on Sunday, according to Saints Wire.

His status as the Saints starting QB has been in jeopardy since before Week 2, when word leaked that Winston is dealing with fractures in his lower back. Head coach Dennis Allen believed that Winston gave his team the best chance of winning then as well as the following week against the Carolina Panthers, both losses. But with Winston not seen at practice for a third day in a row, the Saints appear to be operating under the belief that Andy Dalton will step into the starting role against the Vikings.

Dalton is one of the most accomplished backups in the NFL at his position with years of starting experience. But if Saints fans believe the Saints' problems are as easy as "replace Winston with Dalton," then they may be in for a shock on Sunday morning.

The Saints' inconsistent run defense, non-existent pass rush and inability to force turnovers have all been as much a reason for the team's 1-2 start as any offensive deficiencies. The fumbles in the running game, as well as spotty pass protection, have also been as much a factor in the team's start as the struggles at the quarterback position.

Some have argued that Winston has held on to the football too long, but there's no sure sign that will improve with Dalton under center. 

Per Pro Football Focus, Winston has averaged 2.64 seconds from dropback to the time he's thrown the ball this season, with the number rising to 3.29 seconds when he's pressured. When he started last year for the Bears, Dalton's average time to throw was 2.61 seconds, while when pressured the number ballooned to 3.58 seconds.

Granted, with running back Alvin Kamara and wide receivers Jarvis Landry and Chris Olave to throw to, he has better options than he did a season ago with the Bears. The Saints number one wide receiver, Michael Thomas, was ruled out on Friday.

While the Saints can absolutely win with Dalton on Sunday against a defense that's near the bottom of the league in total yards allowed, doing so won't be a reflection on the Winston-Dalton debate as much as it is the team as a whole improving their play.