Saints’ Coby Fleener out against Panthers with concussion, report says

According to a Thursday afternoon report by NFL Network’s Ian Rapaport, the New Orleans Saints will be without tight end Coby Fleener against the Carolina Panthers in Week 13. Per his report, Fleener is in the league’s concussion protocol.

Fleener took a helmet-to-helmet shot from Rams safety Blake Countess in the fourth quarter, which naturally drew a penalty for a hit to the head of a defenseless receiver. Fleener stayed in somehow, and CBS sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson said that he wasn’t tested for a concussion following the hit. Head coach Sean Payton said there were no signs or symptoms immediately after, but then a vision problem came on shortly.

With Fleener likely sidelined for Sunday’s game, the Saints have Josh Hill and Michael Hoomanawanui at their disposal. The team did sign a tight end to their practice squad on Wednesday, Alex Ellis, but it would be hard to envision him being activated (but not impossible).