Drew Brees Has Put the New Orleans Saints in a Tough Dilemma
Throughout much of the 2020 season, the New Orleans Saints have remained among the league’s best records. The Saints moved a step closer toward a playoff berth after getting past the San Francisco 49ers in Week 10. However, the result came at a cost with star quarterback Drew Brees suffering an injury that could force him to miss some time.
Saints beat 49ers, but lose Drew Brees
The New Orleans Saints kept the ball rolling in Week 10 action by grabbing a comfortable 27-13 home win over the San Francisco 49ers.
The Saints controlled the game behind their play defensively, forcing four turnovers with a pair of interceptions and two fumble recoveries. They also limited San Francisco to 49 rushing yards with 2.0 yards average per attempt.
New Orleans gathered control of the contest in the second quarter behind 17 points in the period. However, star quarterback Drew Brees suffered a rib injury after being tackled by defensive tackle Kentavius Street.
Brees continued to play in the second quarter but pulled himself out of second-half action because of his health concerns. The Saints finished the game with Jameis Winston, who completed 6-of-10 passes for 63 yards. Pro Bowl running back Alvin Kamara sealed the deal in the fourth quarter with his second rushing touchdown.
Although the Saints moved to an impressive 7-2 record on the season, the concern has quickly shifted toward Brees’ health situation. The team is bracing for some possible time missed for the future Hall of Famer.
Saints expect Drew Brees to miss some time
The New Orleans Saints’ mood remains a bit mum after star quarterback Drew Brees suffered a rib injury against the 49ers.
New Orleans has voiced some optimism around the situation, but the overwhelming sentiment is that he will miss some playing time. According to Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport of The NFL Network, Brees is dealing with a rib contusion on top of a shoulder issue that has limited his practice time in the last few weeks.
Things have taken a more serious turn with the MRI revealing that the 41-year-old is dealing with multiple rib fractures and a collapsed lung on his right side. New Orleans will take the precautionary route with the Pro Bowler by giving him as much time needed to recovery from the serious injury that could impact his life greatly beyond the football field.
Their schedule lightens up over the next few weeks with a pair of matchups against the Atlanta Falcons (Week 11 and Week 13) and Denver Broncos (Week 12). All that presents the opportunity for the Saints to allow Brees to recover from his slew of injuries.
Jameis Winston will take up starting duties
While the New Orleans Saints wait on further confirmation of the extent of Drew Brees’ rib injury, it opens the door for Jameis Winston.
If Brees misses any playing time, Winston will take over the starting duties. His production was limited against the 49ers, but he proved to be a competent quarterback throughout his career.
Winston’s issues arise regarding his decision making as he’s coming off throwing a league-worst 30 interceptions last season. The Saints will likely take much of the offensive load off his shoulders to limit risky throws. He has some elite talent around him with All-Pro wideout Michael Thomas and star running back Alvin Kamara to help guide the offense forward with Brees out.
Like Teddy Bridgewater a year ago, the situation presents an opportunity for Winston to prove that he’s still a viable starting quarterback. The 26-year-old has 121 career touchdown passes and is coming off leading the NFL with 5,109 passing yards. The former first overall pick can only gain from the situation in front of him.
