The New Orleans Saints will be without Derek Carr for a second consecutive game on Thursday night, but his return could be on the horizon. NFL Media reports that Carr may be able to practice soon and possibly suit up for Week 8. The quarterback suffered an oblique injury during the Saints’ Week 5 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, a game he left early. Initially, some speculated that Carr could miss up to a month, leading rookie Spencer Rattler, a fifth-round pick in 2024, to step in as the starter.
Carr was listed as doubtful before being ruled inactive for the Saints’ Thursday night game against the Denver Broncos. Even if he returns to practice next week, NFL insider Ian Rapoport warns that Carr would still need to clear several hurdles, including testing the injury in live drills, before a potential game-day appearance.
Head coach Dennis Allen echoed this cautious outlook after Thursday’s game, suggesting that tight end Taysom Hill, also dealing with an injury, might have a better shot at returning in Week 8 than Carr. Fortunately, Carr will have extra time to prepare, as the Saints have a 10-day break between their game against Denver and their October 27 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Before the injury, Carr had a 2-3 record with eight touchdowns and four interceptions this season.
