Report: Drew Brees expected to miss several weeks
Earlier on Monday, there were multiple reports that New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees was going to miss the remainder of the 2015 season with a torn rotator cuff. While those reports came from troll accounts, it appears Brees might actually have a serious injury.
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the Saints are expecting Brees to be out for an extended period of time.
Sources: #Saints believe QB Drew Brees has a shoulder injury that will likely cause him to miss games, potentially several games.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 21, 2015
Brees was apparently injured against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, when he was consistently pounded into the turf behind a new offensive line. Brees still threw for 255 yards and a touchdown, but his arm strength was clearly limited down the stretch.
If Brees is out for any amount of time – and that appears to be the case – the Saints are cooked. New Orleans is without a solid defense, evidenced in its first two losses to the Arizona Cardinals and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Beyond that, the rushing attack is mediocre and the receivers are not going to star without a top-flight quarterback. Brees would be replaced by Luke McCown, a journeyman who has been on five teams and thrown for a total of 2,035 yards with nine touchdowns and 14 interceptions. Compare those numbers to Brees, who has thrown for 56,643 yards and 398 touchdowns against 196 interceptions.
At 36 years old, it is fair to wonder if Brees will be able to come back from a second serious shoulder injury. Brees was also seriously injured in the 2005 regular-season finale when he played for the San Diego Chargers.
The NFC South appears to be wide open once again, with the Carolina Panthers and Atlanta Falcons sitting at 2-0 but far from overwhelming. Meanwhile, Tampa Bay is 1-1 but looking improved with Jameis Winston under center.