New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen provided an injury update on quarterback Derek Carr, who exited Sunday’s loss to the Minnesota Vikings with a concussion.
Allen did not provide an update on when Carr is expected to return to action for the team.
“Head coach Dennis Allen clarified following the game that Carr exited due to a concussion, but Allen did not elaborate more,” NFL.com’s Michael Baca wrote. “He added that Carr will be the starter for the team going forward despite backup Jameis Winston igniting the downtrodden offense in relief.”
While Allen didn’t give an update on Carr’s return to action, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that Carr is hopeful to return after the team’s Week 11 bye.
#Saints QB Derek Carr, who left today’s game with a concussion and shoulder injury, is hopeful to be able to return after the bye — which comes next week, the perfect time.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 12, 2023
New Orleans is 5-5 on the season, but the team luckily doesn’t play again until Nov. 26 against the Atlanta Falcons.
That gives Carr two weeks to recover to be able to play for New Orleans.
Prior to exiting on Sunday, Carr completed 13 of his 18 passes for 110 yards. He did not throw a touchdown or an interception. Carr also added one carry for 10 yards.
After Carr went down, veteran backup and former first-round pick Jameis Winston replaced Carr at quarterback. He ignited the Saints’ offense, throwing two scores on the day, but he also was intercepted twice by the Minnesota defense.
Minnesota led 27-3 early in the third quarter, but the Saints were able to pull within eight points with touchdown passes to Chris Olave and A.T. Perry. The team also converted two-point conversions after each of the scores.
New Orleans brought Carr in this offseason after he was released by the Las Vegas Raiders. A former second-round pick, Carr has built a solid career for himself, making the Pro Bowl four times. His last Pro Bowl selection came in the 2022 season.
Even though the Saints lost in Week 10, they didn’t lose ground in the NFC South to the Falcons, who also lost (to the Arizona Cardinals) on Sunday.
If Carr is able to return for the Saints and play at a high level, the team still has a chance to make the playoffs. The Saints will likely provide an update on Carr’s status when the team begins practice ahead of its Week 12 matchup against the Falcons.
