After beginning the game down 21-0, the New Orleans Saints and quarterback Derek Carr rallied in the second half. Midway through a 12-play, 75-yard touchdown drive in the fourth quarter to make the score 33-28, Carr took a huge hit and was taken to the locker room. What’s the latest on his status?
Derek Carr Injury Update
On 3rd-and-17 with just over 10 minutes left in the contest, Lions DL Bruce Irvin tackled and drove Carr into the ground as he threw the ball. Irvin was penalized for roughing the passer, and Carr remained on the ground for some time.
#Saints QB Derek Carr was carted off the field after taking a massive hit on this play.
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) December 3, 2023
The concussion official was on the field as well, and Carr was carted to the sideline before he walked to the locker room on his own power.
Jameis Winston was forced into the lineup and completed his only pass attempt on the drive for 30 yards to Chris Olave to help set up a one-yard score by RB Alvin Kamara.
MORE: New Orleans Saints Depth Chart
Carr left the game with 226 yards, one touchdown, and one interception on 17 of 22 passing. After the game, he was officially listed with neck, back, and shoulder injuries and entered concussion protocol for the second time in under a month. If Carr did suffer a concussion, his availability for Week 14 would be in question.
Carr’s toughed out injuries and poor offensive line play all year. In Week 3, he suffered an AC joint sprain but played the following week. Then, in Week 10, he left with a concussion and a right shoulder injury. The Saints’ bye week followed, so Carr didn’t miss time, but the team may not be so lucky this time.
Winston’s provided serviceable play when on the field, and the offense could benefit from an uptick in downfield shots that he will inevitbely bring. Nevertheless, at 5-7 in a putrid NFC South, the Saints are certainly disappointed in their offseason investment under center. But they aren’t out of the playoff race just yet.
Fantasy Fallout From Carr’s Injury
Unfortunately, fantasy managers have grown accustomed to seeing Carr exit games early this season as he’s been seemingly banged up every week. While we await further information on the severity of his injury, fantasy managers should prepare for what his absence means for this offense.
If Carr is forced to miss extended time, we’ll see a combination of Winston and Hill at quarterback for the Saints moving forward. With a matchup against the Carolina Panthers in Week 14, managers may want to make Winston a priority add this week off of the waiver wire.
— PFN Fantasy Director Kyle Yates