Jameis Winston is down and out.
The Saints' starting quarterback suffered a knee injury in the first half of Sunday's game against the Buccaneers and did not return.
NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport and NFL Network's Jane Slater reports Winston suffered an apparent ACL injury. Rapoport added there is potential damage to his MCL as well.
"I think it's significant," coach Sean Payton told reporters after the game. "He felt something and he's on crutches right now. I don't want to say until I have a chance to talk with the doctors."
Winston was dragged to the ground by linebacker Devin White, forcing the QB's left knee to bend dramatically inward. After briefly lying flat, he managed to limp off the field before being carted to the locker room from the sideline.
Said Payton: "When he went up and then had to go back down, you were a little concerned."
New Orleans initially announced Winston was questionable to return but downgraded him to out soon after. He completed 6 of 10 passes for 56 yards and a touchdown before exiting. Trevor Siemian took over at QB for the Saints following the injury with the score tied at 7-all.
The Saints went on to upset the Buccaneers 36-27 with Siemian at the helm.
The NFC South matchup was particularly personal for Winston, who spent the first five years of his career with Tampa Bay upon being selected No. 1 overall in the 2015 NFL Draft.
