The New Orleans Saints have struggled without quarterback Derek Carr, but relief may be on the horizon. Speaking with reporters, head coach Dennis Allen shared an update on Carr’s potential return from his oblique injury. Allen suggested Carr could be back for Week 8 against the Los Angeles Chargers, though Week 9 versus the Carolina Panthers appears more likely.
“I think we’re getting closer,” Allen told ESPN’s Katherine Terrell. “Do I think he’ll be ready for the Chargers game? I’m not sure. That’s questionable. But it’s very likely for the following week [against Carolina]. We’ll have a clearer picture after seeing how he progresses over the next few days.”
Carr, a former Pro Bowler, has been sidelined since Week 5 after injuring his oblique in a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Rookie Spencer Rattler has stepped in for the past two weeks, but both games ended in blowout losses for New Orleans (51-27 to Tampa Bay and 33-10 to Denver). Rattler, with one touchdown and two interceptions as the starter, struggled, particularly during a disastrous sequence in the loss to the Broncos.
Carr has a reputation for playing through tough injuries, and with more than a week remaining before the Saints’ next game, there’s a possibility he could return in Week 8, though he’ll have to do so without one of his key offensive weapons.
