Anytime you have your starting quarterback dealing with an injury, it is a less-than-ideal situation. Unfortunately, that is where Derek Carr and the New Orleans Saints find themselves heading into Week 4.
Carr injured his shoulder, putting his Week 4 status in doubt. Carr suffered the injury in the third quarter against the Packers last week. Carr was slammed to the turf by Packers linebacker Rashan Gary and was slow to get up as a result.
The Saints QB was eventually able to walk off the field under his own power and headed to the locker room following an evaluation in the medical tent. After the game, Carr underwent X-rays on his shoulder before going to a local hospital to run additional tests on the injury.
With everything that happened last week, where does it leave Carr and his availability for Week 4?
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Is Derek Carr Going To Play Week 4?
Despite dealing with an AC joint sprain in his right shoulder, it looks as if Carr will play on Sunday versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, according to NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport. With Carr planning to play, it puts backup quarterback Jameis Winston back on the bench vs. his former team.
MORE: New Orleans Saints Depth Chart
Winston entered the game for New Orleans once Carr was out last week, completing 10 of 16 passes for 101 yards in the 18-17 loss to Green Bay. The jack of all trades Taysom Hill will be used in multiple ways, but he will also assume his customary QB3 role on the depth chart.
Big Divisional Matchup for the Saints
The Saints will square off against their 2-1 divisional rival, Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This is a big early-season NFC South matchup that will give the winning team the edge after the first month of the season in the division race.
MORE: Week 4 Injury Report
All eyes will be on Carr and his ability, as fans and coaches will see how he plays with the lingering shoulder injury. If it looks like it is affecting him and his ability to facilitate the offense, it may change the way of thinking for the team.
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