Well this is interesting. The New Orleans Saints will kick off with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in about 12 hours, and multiple outlets report the team is expressing “optimism” that quarterback Derek Carr will be able to start on Sunday afternoon. NewOrleans.Football’s Mike Triplett reported as much Saturday evening, echoing comments from his colleague Nick Underhill earlier in the day; NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport shared the same information after speaking with his sources.
That makes sense given what we know about his injured throwing shoulder. Carr’s status was repeatedly described as a pain management issue rather than a structural or functionality concern — there isn’t risk of worsening his injured joint by playing him, and swelling decreased to a point where he’s been able to wind up and throw as usual.
But we’ll have to wait and see whether the coaches ultimately choose to let Carr play. Jameis Winston was re-signed his offseason for exactly this sort of situation, in case Carr missed a game or two with an injury. On top of that, the offensive line has been a serious problem through the first three games and it’s missing a starter in Cesar Ruiz (who is out with a concussion suffered last week). Is it worth starting Carr behind a banged-up line while he’s managing an injury? Stay tuned.
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