The New Orleans Saints are preparing themselves for life without All-Pro quarterback Drew Brees for at least the next few weeks after he injured his thumb during New Orleans’ 27-9 loss against the Rams. Brees left the game with a thumb injury after the Saints’ second possession and would not return.
Now, the severity of Brees’ injury is beginning to become apparent and it isn’t exactly encouraging. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Brees will undergo surgery for a ligament injury in his thumb and is expected to miss up to six weeks of action.
Saints' QB Drew Brees is expected to undergo thumb surgery as early as today that would be expected to sideline him approximately 6 weeks, per leagues sources.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 16, 2019
If the Saints decide to put Drew Brees on IR for the thumb surgery that is required, he would be unable to practice for six weeks and would to miss eight games. Saints also could not place him on IR and bring him back when ready.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 16, 2019
In his absence yesterday, veteran backup Teddy Bridgewater stepped in for Drew Brees. While he’s viewed by many as one of the best backups in the NFL, Bridgewater looked shaky against the Rams and New Orleans wasn’t able to get much going on offense.
This will likely be the case for the next month or so in New Orleans as long as Brees is sidelined. While Bridgewater is more than capable of managing a game and winning a couple of them for the Saints, their offensive output will be a far cry from the juggernaut we expect out of Sean Payton and Company.
Still, if the Saints can manage to remain around .500 prior to Brees’ return, they should be in good shape again to make a playoff run and perhaps even more. The Saints will travel to Seattle for a Week 3 matchup against the surging Seahawks.
