Drew Brees Has Set a Date for His NFL Return
The New Orleans Saints have moved through the last couple of weeks without star quarterback Drew Brees. He has missed time due to dealing with multiple fractured ribs. Despite that, Brees may be finally circling the date when he hopes to make his return to the field this season.
Drew Brees sidelined with a rib injury
For the second straight season, the Saints are without their star quarterback for an extended period.
Drew Brees has been out of action since Week 10 against the San Francisco 49ers, where he suffered multiple rib fractures. A hit by 49ers defensive tackle Kentavius Street led to Brees dealing with three fractured ribs on his left side and two on his right. These injuries led to concerns over a collapsed lung.
The 41-year-old has since been placed on the IR on Nov. 20, putting his availability in possible jeopardy. The 2020 season has had some problematic stretches for Brees, which many believe could his final campaign. He has had notable struggles throwing the ball deep but did pile up 2,196 yards with 18 touchdowns to three interceptions in the first nine regular-season games.
Throughout the injury situation, the Saints have remained patient and may have a promising development concerning when the future Hall of Famer will return.
Drew Brees has circled his potential return date
The Saints have operated over the last couple of weeks with much caution around Drew Brees’ injury situation.
New Orleans has pushed forward without a set return date for their star quarterback. With Brees eligible to come off the injured reserve next week, Ian Rapoport of The NFL Network reports that the team is now aiming for Week 15 against the Kansas City Chiefs.
The last several days have seen Brees continue to take progressive steps forward in his recovery. He has begun throwing and going through some drills, including taking some mental reps without a football before the Saints face the Atlanta Falcons in Week 13.
Brees may be eligible to return next week against the Philadelphia Eagles, but New Orleans doesn’t want to rush him back. The team has grabbed back-to-back comfortable wins that have kept them with the NFC’s top overall playoff spot.
The Saints will continue on that same path with Brees out, which will again put the onus on Taysom Hill to step into the starting job.
Taysom Hill will continue to start
Despite Drew Brees being out, the Saints have kept the ball rolling forward in his absence.
New Orleans has turned to veteran quarterback Taysom
Hill to take over the temporary starting duties. In the last two games, Hill has passed for 311 yards and rushed for four touchdowns. The Saints haven’t put too much responsibility on his shoulders to guide the offense forward with his arm.
Hill has utilized his versatility to guide their offense toward stable production. Meanwhile, he has significantly leaned on All-Pro wideout Michael Thomas, which has seen him rack up 13 catches on 18 targets for 154 receiving yards in the last two games.
The Saints have also benefited from possessing one of the league’s best defenses, which has kept them on track. Hill’s performance may be pivotal in determining how much more time they will give Brees.
With New Orleans rolling forward with the NFC’s best record, expect the team to allow the future Hall of Famer to comfortably come back into the fold when he’s ready to do so.
