Saints QB Derek Carr expected to miss multiple weeks after Week 14 hand injury

The major injuries continue for the New Orleans Saints, with starting quarterback Derek Carr suffering a left-hand injury in Week 14. NFL insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero are reporting that the veteran quarterback fractured his non-throwing hand and will be sidelined for several weeks.

Considering it’s only four weeks left in the regular season, and the Saints are unlikely to make the playoffs, this is effectively a season-ending injury. However, Rapoport says New Orleans will not place Carr on injured reserve, just in case he is ready to return in the next couple of weeks.

Interim head coach Darren Rizzi confirmed the reports during his media availability on Monday, but provided more detail, saying the injury doesn’t require surgery. Rizzi also announced that Carr is in concussion protocol as well, and the team is considering the quarterback to be week-to-week.

Derek Carr’s season is expected to be over after suffering fractured hand

This injury occurred in the fourth quarter of New Orleans’ Week 14 win over the New York Giants, when Carr attempted to dive over players to pick up a first down. On his way down, he used his left hand to break his fall, and immediately laid on the ground in pain.

This will be the second significant injury that has caused Carr to miss time this season. He was sidelined in Weeks 6-8 as he dealt with an oblique injury he sustained in Week 5. Now, he’s expected to miss Weeks 15-18.

If that’s the case, he’ll end his second season in New Orleans going 5-5 in 10 starts, while completing 67.7% of his passes for 2,145 yards, 15 touchdowns, and five interceptions, while also adding one rushing touchdown.

Of course, there will now be questions about his future in New Orleans. While he’s still under contract for two more seasons after this year, Carr has dealt with several injuries during his short time in New Orleans, and both seasons have been underwhelming. Additionally, the Saints will enter a new era when they hire a coach this offseason. It’s not a guarantee Carr will be the team’s quarterback to start that era.

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