| Good morning, and welcome to the Saints Insider newsletter for Thursday, January 5. The Saints returned to the practice field on Wednesday as they began preparations for the final game of the season against the Carolina Panthers. But most of their focus was on Damar Hamlin. The critically injured Buffalo Bills safety was on the minds of players and coaches across the league, including the Saints. Veteran quarterback Andy Dalton was one of the first NFL players to donate to Hamlin's charity in the wake of his injury. Luke Johnson has the story behind Dalton's gesture. Several Saints players said their thoughts and prayers were with Hamlin, including rookie tight end Lucas Krull, a former teammate of Hamlin's at the University of Pittsburgh. Columnist Rod Walker worked the locker room to get the reaction from Saints players. There was good news on Hamlin's condition from Cincinnati on Wednesday. In other news Wednesday: Rookie receiver Rashid Shaheed is trying to do something this season that hasn't been in the NFL in three decades. Learn what that potential accomplishment is from Luke Johnson. Defensive end Cameron Jordan was named the NFC Defensive Player of the Week after his three-sack performance against the Eagles. Six Saints starters were listed on the official injury report for the Panthers game, including a starting cornerback. Running back Dwayne Washington was placed on the injured reserve list, Luke Johnson reports. And, finally, former Saints guard Jahri Evans was a surprising omission from the list of 15 modern-era finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2023, announced by officials on Wednesday. That's it for today. We'll have more coverage throughout the week as the Saints begin preparations for their regular season finale on Sunday against the Carolina Panthers. Until next time, Jeff Duncan | 
