New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr is expected to start against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers despite his shoulder injury, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Saints’ QB Derek Carr, listed as questionable for Sunday due to a sprained AC joint, is expected to start vs. the Bucs barring a pre-game setback with his shoulder, per source. Carr took the first team reps at practice the past two days.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 1, 2023
If Carr does suffer a setback, Jameis Winston would get the start for the Saints.
Winston was fine in Week 3, completing 10-of-16 passes for 101 yards, but the team failed to score following Carr’s exit.
With Carr in the lineup, the Saints are in a good spot to return to their winning ways this week.
Derek Carr injury status for Week 4 game against Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Carr is listed as questionable for Week 4 against Tampa Bay, but he is expected to play.
Best bet for Saints vs. Buccaneers with Derek Carr injured
Even with Carr expected to play in this game, I think it could be a defensive battle since he'll be at less than 100 percent.
The Saints did not score a point after Carr exited early in the second half in Week 3, blowing a 17-0 lead to the Green Bay Packers. Meanwhile, the Buccaneers have not been a great offense either.
Tampa Bay is just 23rd in the NFL in yards per play this season, and now it has to take on a team that is No. 6 in opponent yards per play on defense. If Carr isn't his usual self, I can't see the New Orleans offense putting up a huge showing.
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Derek Carr injury history
- Sept. 2014: Knee MCL Sprain Grade 2 – did not miss a game
- Sept. 2015: Hand Thumb Sprain – returned for following game
- Nov. 2016: Hand Finger Fracture – did not miss a game
- Dec. 2016: Leg Fibula Fracture – missed rest of season
- Oct. 2017: Back Vertebral Fracture – missed one game
- Sept. 2023: Shoulder A/C Joint Sprain – left Week 3
When is Derek Carr coming back?
It looks like Carr will at least give it a shot to play in Week 4. The Saints take on the New England Patriots in Week 5.
New Orleans Saints next 5 opponents
- New England Patriots, Sunday, Oct. 8
- Houston Texans, Sunday, Oct. 15
- Jacksonville Jaguars, Thursday, Oct. 19
- Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Oct. 29
- Chicago Bears, Sunday, Nov. 5
New Orleans Saints injury report
- Derek Carr – Questionable
- Paulson Adebo – Out
- Cesar Ruiz – Out
- Jordan Howden – Out
- Foster Moreau – Questionable
Tampa Bay Buccaneers injury report
- Devin White – Questionable
- Carlton Davis – Questionable
- Jamel Dean – Out
- Derrek Pitts – Out
- Calijah Kancey – Out
- Vita Vea – Questionable
- SirVocea Dennis – Out
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