New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr suffered an injury to his left hand and has also entered concussion protocol, according to interim coach Darren Rizzi.
Rizzi’s Monday news conference came shortly after NFL Network reported that Carr broke his left hand in Sunday’s win over the New York Giants and was expected to miss several weeks.
Rizzi disputed the report Carr has a “major fracture” and said surgery isn’t required. Because the injury is to Carr’s non-throwing hand, it’s feasible he could attempt to play if he clears concussion protocol.
Per NFL Network, the Saints aren’t putting Carr on injured reserve, leaving the door open for a potential return. The Saints have won three of their last four games, but at 5-8, their playoff chances are slim entering Week 15.
New Orleans hosts the Washington Commanders (8-5) on Sunday. Rizzi did not commit to either Jake Haener or Spencer Rattler as the starting quarterback if Carr can’t go.
Carr, who is right-handed, was injured when he tried to leap for a first down late in the final quarter of a 15-11 road win against the New York Giants. He was near the sideline and went airborne, landing hard on the left hand with this face then slamming into the turf as he landed out of bounds with 3:59 left in the game.
Carr completed 20 of 31 passes for 219 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Jake Haener finished up the game for the Saints.
Overall, Carr has passed for 2,145 yards, 15 touchdowns and five interceptions this season. He missed three games earlier this season due to an oblique injury.
–Field Level Media