Report: Saints expected to be without Watson for NFC title game

The New Orleans Saints appear set to face the Los Angeles Rams without Benjamin Watson on Sunday, as a source told ESPN's Katherine Terrell that the starting tight end will miss the NFC title game with an illness.

The team has officially listed Watson as questionable for the affair. He was a limited participant in Friday's practice.

The 15-year veteran spent time in the hospital battling appendicitis and is hoping to avoid surgery, a source told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. If the Saints advance to the Super Bowl, he's expected to return for what may be the final game of his career.

The 38-year-old recorded 35 catches for 400 yards and two touchdowns, playing in all 16 games during the regular season.

Josh Hill will see increased snaps if Watson doesn't play.

Meanwhile, Saints wide receiver Keith Kirkwood was ruled out with a calf injury.

Kirkwood caught 13 passes for 209 yards and two touchdowns during the regular season.

Copyright (C) 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.