Derek Carr was banged up on Sunday. The New Orleans Saints quarterback took a big hit from Detroit Lions linebacker Bruce Irvin that drew a foul, but the damage was done. After receiving assistant from the Saints medical staff, Carr left the field and didn’t return.
Afterwards head coach Dennis Allen confirmed what the team had previously announced: Carr entered concussion protocol and underwent evaluation for injuries to his shoulder and back. It’s the second time this season Carr has gone into league concussion protocol, and this is the third time he’s dealt with a shoulder injury. Allen declined to specify whether that’s the same AC joint sprain Carr suffered earlier this year and aggravated a few weeks ago.
Allen also said they wouldn’t consider shutting Carr down after this recurring shoulder injury, as was the case last season when Jameis Winston suffered damage to several vertebrae in his lower back. When pressed on the topic Allen only responded that it’s a different situation.
The Saints are playing at home the next two weeks against the Carolina Panthers and New York Giants, so they won’t have to ask Carr to fly cross-country with his injuries. But the question remains whether he’ll be able to return to the starting lineup in time for next Sunday’s game with Carolina. If he can’t go, Winston is likely getting the starting nod with Taysom Hill playing his usual role and Jake Haener backing him up, but we’ll have to wait and see for sure.
