Saints QB Derek Carr (Left Hand) Unlikely to Return This Season After Recent Examination
New Orleans, LA – The New Orleans Saints have been dealt a major blow as quarterback Derek Carr is unlikely to return to action this season due to a lingering left hand injury, according to sources familiar with the situation.
Carr, who suffered the injury in Week 4 against the Minnesota Vikings, has been sidelined for the past three games. He underwent an examination this week that revealed the extent of the damage and the likelihood that he will miss the remainder of the campaign.
Carr’s Injury and Impact on the Saints
The injury to Carr’s left hand is a significant setback for the Saints, who have struggled to find consistency at the quarterback position in recent years. Carr had been playing well prior to the injury, completing 68.5% of his passes for 1,368 yards, 10 touchdowns, and just two interceptions.
In Carr’s absence, the Saints have turned to veteran Andy Dalton, who has gone 1-2 as a starter. While Dalton has provided some stability, he has also shown signs of decline, raising concerns about the Saints’ ability to compete in the highly competitive NFC South.
Saints’ Playoff Hopes Dwindling
The loss of Carr is a major blow to the Saints’ playoff hopes. With the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons both looking strong, the Saints need to be at their best to compete for a postseason berth.
Without Carr, the Saints’ offense will be significantly weakened. The team lacks a proven backup quarterback, and the offense is likely to struggle to move the ball consistently. This could make it difficult for the Saints to win enough games to make the playoffs.
Carr’s Future in New Orleans
The injury to Carr also raises questions about his future with the Saints. The 32-year-old quarterback is entering the final year of his contract, and it is unclear if the Saints will be willing to re-sign him given his injury history.
If the Saints do not re-sign Carr, they will need to find a long-term solution at quarterback. The team could look to draft a young signal-caller in the upcoming NFL Draft or explore trade options.
Conclusion
The New Orleans Saints have been dealt a major blow with the news that quarterback Derek Carr is unlikely to return this season. The injury is a significant setback for the Saints, who are now facing an uphill battle to make the playoffs. The loss of Carr also raises questions about his future with the team, and the Saints will need to make a decision on his contract in the offseason.