Drew Brees has serious injuries after exiting against 49ers

Drew Brees suffered some really concerning injuries.

Sean Payton and the New Orleans Saints were well on their way to a victory against the undermanned San Francisco 49ers, but a concerning hit knocked quarterback Drew Brees out of the game, prompting Jameis Winston to come into the starting lineup.

Saints fans saw their worst nightmare confirmed, as Brees’ injury was as serious as it appeared on TV.

Brees, who was spotted on the sidelines in the second half with a flak jacket on, suffered multiple rib fractures on both sides of his body while also picking up a collapsed right lung. With injuries that serious, it’s entirely possible Brees misses a handful of games.

Jameis Winston will likely start at quarterback now that Drew Brees is injured

Brees, who is on track to lead the NFL in completion percentage for the fourth consecutive season, is still managing to win games despite his waning arm strength, as the Saints will challenge for the No. 1 seed in the NFC.

The Saints, who won five games with Teddy Bridgewater under center last year following a thumb injury to Brees, signed Winston in the event the 41-year-old got banged up again.

Winston, who famously saw his 5,109 yard passing season last year overshadowed by 30 interceptions, went 6-10 for 63 yards in Brees’ stead last week. While nowhere close to Brees in terms of accuracy, he does have plenty of arm strength, which could help add a vertical element to the Saints’ offense until Brees returns to full health.

Winston might be able to steady the ship in the short-term, but the Saints will find it difficult to compete for a championship if Brees doesn’t return to full health soon. In the mean time, Payton will ride the Jameis roller coaster and pray the brakes don’t end up cut.