saints Aug 19, 2022; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; New Orleans Saints helmets during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

With Jameis Winston listed as doubtful ahead of Sunday’s showdown with the Minnesota Vikings in London, it looked like Andy Dalton would be getting the start for the New Orleans Saints. As of Sunday afternoon, that decision is now official.

According to a report from NFL insider Adam Schefter of ESPN, Winston’s status has been downgraded from “doubtful” to out, meaning that Dalton is officially the team’s starter for Sunday’s game against the Vikings.

Dalton is no stranger to starting games for an NFL team, starting multiple games in all 11 of his NFL seasons including serving as a full-time starter for the Cincinnati Bengals for nine seasons after he was drafted by the team in 2011.

“I’ve been in this situation before where you’re the backup and have to step in and play, and I’ve also played in a ton of games and started a ton of games,” Dalton said earlier this week. “My experience, I know how to handle the whole process of everything. If my number is called … I’ll be ready.”

Dalton will be making his first start of the season, though he got plenty of reps with the Saints’ first-team offense during the preseason. There is currently no timetable for Wintson’s return.

[Adam Schefter]