Report: Saints QB Drew Brees’ goal is to return vs. Cardinals
Oct 21, 2019, 9:15 AM | Updated: 2:09 pm
Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints walks off the field holding his thumb after surgery at the Mercedes Benz Superdome on September 29, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
(Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
The Arizona Cardinals have faced one backup quarterback this season and may face at least one more against Pittsburgh, but they may not encounter the same fate with Drew Brees and the Saints.
That’s because ESPN’s Mike Triplett reported Monday that Brees, who has been out since suffering a thumb injury in Week 2 against the Rams, is planning to return to practice this week and the goal is to play on Sunday against the Cardinals in New Orleans.
“We’ll see how it goes. I’d love to [play]. It’s a goal,” he told ESPN.
In Brees’ absence, the Saints have been starting quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, the former Vikings starter who this year is 5-0 with a 67.7% completion rate for 1,370 yards, nine touchdowns and two interceptions.
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After Bridgewater on the depth chart is Taysom Hill, a Swiss Army Knife who can play multiple positions including tight end. Triplett’s report mentioned Fox Sports’ Erin Andrews’ reporting that perhaps Brees could come back as a backup quarterback and allow Hill to play tight end. According to Triplett, Saints coach Sean Payton called that “incorrect.”
Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury said Monday the Cardinals will prepare for both Saints QBs.
Before getting hurt, Brees played all of one game and part of another. In 2019, he’s put up a 72.9% completion percentage and 408 passing yards for two touchdowns and two interceptions.
If Brees doesn’t play, the Cardinals will likely face three backups this season, at least. They faced the Panthers’ Kyle Allen in Week 3 and will more than likely face one of either Mason Rudolph or Devlin Hodges for the Steelers in Week 14 as Ben Roethlisberger is out.
