Wife of Saints' Tony McDaniel not in labor after all

NEW ORLEANS -- It looks likeNew Orleans Saints defensive tackle Tony McDanieldidn't have to decide between being with his wife while she was in labor and playing Sunday.

Saints coach Sean Payton initially told Fox Sports during the broadcast of his team's playoff game against the Carolina Panthers that he had to tell the 12th-year veteran at halftime that his wife went into labor.

Later on the telecast, it was announced that she was not in labor but had a stomach bug and did go to a hospital.

It had been reported that Payton told McDaniel he could leave if needed, but McDaniel continued to play in the third quarter. He left the game a little while later with what appeared to be a left leg injury.

McDaniel, 32, rejoined the Saints as a backup in late December after he was with the team during training camp. He played four games with the San Francisco 49ers earlier this season and has previously played for the Seattle Seahawks, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Miami Dolphins and Jacksonville Jaguars.