Derek Carr Injury Update: Saints' Quarterback Out Indefinitely with Oblique Injury
New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr has suffered an oblique injury, which is expected to keep him out of action for multiple weeks. The injury occurred during the Saints' Monday night loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, where Carr was forced to exit the game early. An MRI taken on Tuesday confirmed the extent of the injury, which typically requires several weeks to recover from.
Carr, who has been a stalwart for the Saints since his arrival, expressed that the injury was not due to pain but rather his inability to perform effectively. 'It wasn't like dealing with pain. ... I just can't do what I want to do,' he said at the time. This sentiment underscores the severity of the injury and its impact on Carr's ability to lead the team.
The Saints are now faced with a critical situation as they prepare for their upcoming games. They have two matches in the next nine daysagainst the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday and the Denver Broncos on Thursday Night Football. If Carr cannot play, rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler and second-year quarterback Jake Haener will likely take his place.
Rattler, who has been touted for his 'swagger' ahead of his first NFL start, is a strong candidate to step in for Carr. According to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo, Rattler is ready to make his debut and could potentially start in Carr's absence. This move could bring a fresh perspective to the team, especially given their current three-game losing streak.
The Saints' situation is further complicated by their recent performance. After a strong 2-0 start, they have struggled to score points, tallying just 49 over their last three games compared to 91 in their first two. This slump has put additional pressure on the team to find a solution quickly.
Carr's injury history is also a concern. He has had four significant injuries while playing for the Saints, including a shoulder sprain and two concussion protocols last season. His current oblique injury adds to this list, highlighting the need for careful management and recovery time.
Former Saints quarterback Drew Brees returned from a left oblique strain after sitting out two weeks of training camp prior to the 2014 season. However, Brees later admitted that his mechanics suffered and he developed bad habits that season after rushing to get back in the lineup before he was fully healthy. This cautionary tale underscores the importance of allowing Carr sufficient time to recover.
The Saints could also consider bringing in a free-agent signal-caller as an emergency backup. This move would provide additional depth and flexibility in case Rattler or Haener struggle to meet expectations.
Carr's performance this season has been impressive despite the recent struggles. Through five games, he has completed 90 passes in 128 attempts (70.3%) for 989 yards, eight touchdowns, and four interceptions. His ability to lead the team has been crucial, and his absence will undoubtedly be felt.
The Saints' situation is not unique in the NFL. Other teams are also dealing with significant injuries. For example, the New England Patriots are expected to give Drake Maye his first start on Sunday, while the Chicago Bears' Caleb Williams and the Washington Commanders' Jayden Daniels are already established as their club's QB1s.
In conclusion, Derek Carr's oblique injury presents a significant challenge for the New Orleans Saints. The team must now rely on rookie Spencer Rattler or second-year quarterback Jake Haener to lead them through their upcoming games. While Rattler's 'fearless' approach could bring a much-needed spark, it remains to be seen how well he will perform under pressure.
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