After starting with back-to-back wins in two consecutive weeks, the New Orleans Saints have faced a drastic fall this season. With a 5-9 record, their chances of finding a playoff spot this season are very slim (less than 1%).
With just three games remaining in the regular season, it seems things are getting worse for interim head coach Darren Rizzi as Derek Carr, who was earlier expected to be back before the end of the season, now seems “very unlikely” to return any time soon, per NFL insider Ian Rapoport.
Derek Carr’s Season Most Likely Over
Carr suffered a concussion and fractured his left arm in the same play during the team’s Week 14 win over the New York Giants on Dec. 8. He was expected to be functional enough to be back for the Commanders game on Sunday but was later ruled out.
As per Insider Ian Rapoport, Derek Carr has undergone further examination recently and is currently a few weeks away from withstanding any contact. However, with just three weeks remaining, a return is possibly out of the picture. This surely is a concerning factor for HC Rizzi as the team is set to face the Green Bay Packers, the Las Vegas Raiders, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as their final three opponents in the regular season. Missing out on Carr at this stage might impact negatively on their playoff dreams.
Sources: #Saints QB Derek Carr underwent further examination recently and he’s at least a few weeks away from being able to withstand contact. With 3 weeks remaining, a return this season is described as very unlikely.
Carr has been out with a left hand fractured in two places. pic.twitter.com/YKT5Gmz8cL
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 17, 2024
However, the book’s not fully closed on Carr as he can still make it. The QB’s real problem currently is getting back his motion. Once that’s done, the pain can be numbed and the fractured area can be protected with a wrap. Bills’ 2xProBowler Josh Allen once played through a similar injury.
So far this season, the 33-year-old QB played a total of 10 games. He has a completion rate of 67.7% and has covered 2,145 yards with 15 Touchdowns, 5 Interceptions, and 8 sacks under his belt.
With the clock ticking, it now needs to be seen if the 33-year-old’s body cooperates and if he can make it to the field and help out his team. Or has the 2024 campaign already ended for Carr? Only time will tell.
