METAIRIE, La. — Ian Book knows this is a big deal, and he isn’t shying away from it.
The rookie is preparing to take his first NFL snap Monday night as the New Orleans Saints’ starting quarterback against the Miami Dolphins after veterans Taysom Hill and Trevor Siemian both tested positive for COVID-19 in the middle of the week.
Book’s family will be in town. His former Notre Dame coach, Brian Kelly, will also make the trip from nearby Baton Rouge after recently being hired by LSU.
“It’s an unbelievable opportunity. … I’m gonna be pretty buzzed, yeah.” Book said. “I don’t know what it’s gonna feel like. I’ve played in big games, but I think this is the biggest, obviously. This is Monday Night Football. I grew up watching prime-time football since I was a little kid. It’s a dream.”
But just as quickly, Book insisted that neither he, nor the Saints (7-7), will let the moment overwhelm them.
As of Sunday night, the Saints have a total of 16 players from their 53-man roster on the reserve/COVID-19 list, in addition to three practice squad players, one suspended player and four assistant coaches sidelined by COVID-19. This is the latest in a season-long series of hurdles that have New Orleans’ playoff hopes in serious jeopardy.
“There’s a million excuses out there, is what I’d say, and we’re gonna use none of them,” Book said. “Because we’ve gotta go out there and play. We’re all professionals, and when your name is called, you’ve gotta go out there and perform.”
Obviously the NFL is a different level, but Notre Dame was a fairly close proximity when…
Source : espn
