Drew Brees: Saints quarterback believes playing Sunday is possible, per report
New Orleans Saints fans, coaches and players had a bit of a scare Monday morning. Quarterback Drew Brees took a big hit Sunday versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and his performance was highlighted by unbelievably poor arm strength for the remainder of the contest, especially in the second half. Coach Sean Payton confirmed the hit “hindered” his performance.
Rumors spread early of the possibility that Drew Brees suffered a torn rotator cuff in his shoulder. Initial reports indicated shoulder problems that could leave him sidelined for “several” games.
But an MRI later revealed that he did not suffer a serious injury, but rather a bruised rotator cuff, which was confirmed on Tuesday by one of the top orthopedic surgeons out there, Dr. James Andrews — the man who saved Drew Brees’ career before the quarterback joined the Saints in 2006.
Sources: #Saints believe QB Drew Brees has a shoulder injury that will likely cause him to miss games, potentially several games.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 21, 2015
MRI confirmed Drew Brees did not suffer serious shoulder injury Sunday, per @edwerderespn. Ability to play depends on response to treatment.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 21, 2015
Brees' MRI showed a bruised rotator cuff. Not torn, per sources. Dr. James Andrews also will take a look at MRI for a second opinion.
— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) September 21, 2015
I'm told @drewbrees believes there's "reasonable possibility'' he overcomes rotator cuff injury to play. Dr. Andrews told him to rehab hard
— Ed Werder (@WerderEdESPN) September 22, 2015
To clarify, Drew Brees believes "reasonable possibility'' he plays this week. See how injury responds to rehab, treatment.
— Ed Werder (@WerderEdESPN) September 22, 2015
Drew Brees’ status for Sunday’s divisional road matchup with the Carolina Panthers is still up in the air. According to ESPN, Brees believes there is a “reasonable possibility” he can play this weekend, but it’s all about how he responds to the treatment.
The New Orleans Saints, a team that seems stuck on the same page from a season ago, will be in a must-win situation Sunday, as they sit in the bottom of the NFC South cellar at on 0-2. It’s hard to see the club racking up a win without their All-Pro quarterback, but at the same time, if he’s not 100% and is weakly throwing the ball like he did against Tampa Bay, it’s tough to see anything good coming out of Carolina.
All eyes are on Drew Brees as he looks for a quick recovery. If he’s unable to go, the Saints have a decision to make — veteran Luke McCown or rookie Garrett Grayson.
New Orleans didn’t make the choice to keep McCown over Ryan Griffin for nothing. Throwing a rookie like Grayson in there could be disastrous for his confidence if he struggles. Grayson was drafted to learn and breed behind Drew Brees, eventually taking over under center in a couple of years, not to be thrown into a starting role just three games into his unproven and inexperienced career.
Drew Brees is going to be a storyline to follow closely as the week progresses. He hasn’t missed a single game for the Saints due to health since stepping in nine years and ten seasons ago. Brees is expected to speak with the media on Wednesday.