Payton: Playoff game being on Sunday critical to having key players available

When the NFL announced that the New Orleans Saints would host the Chicago Bears on Sunday at 3:40 p.m. as opposed to Saturday, it was welcome news.

Just how important was it for the Saints to get a Sunday game, as opposed to a Saturday game with regard to Alvin Kamara being available to play against the Bears?

“I think if it was a Saturday game, he doesn’t play, a Sunday game, he can play,” Payton said.

Payton added that each situation would depend on the player as to whether or not that player could play if he did not practice during the week.

“We’ve got to be smart,” Payton said.

Would Payton consider keeping his players in a bubble now that the playoffs have arrived to try to prevent contact with COVID-19?

“I’m not sure,” Payton said. “Obviously, No. 1, it’s optional relative to the union and management council. We’re just trying to focus on this game, players being smart, everyone, not just players. Coaches, front office, good decisions relative to the size of the group and people they’re around.”

When the Saints defeated the Bears 26-23 in overtime at Chicago on Oct. 1, Nick Foles was the quarterback of the Bears. How much different is Chicago now with Mitchell Trubisky at quarterback.

“You see him a little more under center,” Payton said. “They’re doing a good job with play-action boots and nakeds off of it. I think they’re playing well up front and I think it’s been a little more of a complimentary game. You see a little different team.”

Does Payton see Trubisky in the mold of Jalen Hurts, who gave the Saints fits with his running and mobility in a loss to the Eagles?

“I’m not going to make the comparison but I would say Trubisky is someone that definitely can run, can flush out of the pocket, pick up 15 yards, 20 yards. He’s a threat when he’s either handing it off or maybe in the read-option scheme. He’s got a skill-set that is obviously different than Nick.”