Saints' Drew Brees to See Specialist After Exiting Game vs. Rams With Hand Injury

Saints quarterback Drew Brees left Sunday's game against the Rams with an injury in the first quarter.

Saints quarterback Drew Brees left Sunday's 27-9 loss to the Rams with an injury in the first quarter and didn't return.

After the game, head coach Sean Payton said Brees was feeling pain, but he wouldn’t comment much more on the injury. He added the team will have an update in two days. Brees said he would be seeing a specialist soon, as there are only so many tests that can be done at the stadium. He toldThe Athletic's Omar Ruiz it’s safe to say this is the toughest time he’s had gripping a football in his career.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that while the Saints are flying to Seattle on Sunday night, Brees is staying in Los Angeles to visit with a hand specialist Monday.

The 40-year-old Brees was removed after he hit his throwing hand on Aaron Donald during a pass rush in the first quarter. Brees went to the sideline and had his thumb wrapped. He was replaced by Teddy Bridgewater. 

Saints QB Drew Brees has been removed from the game after he hit his throwing hand on the hand of Aaron Donald during a pass rush.

Teddy Bridgewater is now in at QB. pic.twitter.com/5qCmqUJEJd

— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) September 15, 2019

Brees was 3-for-5 for 38 yards and one interception before leaving the game.  

FOX sideline reporter Erin Andrews was told during halftime that Brees "could not grip the ball." But he was still questionable to return at that point.

A closeup of the wrap on Drew Brees’ hand. pic.twitter.com/xPw7wGW59G

— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) September 16, 2019

Bridgewater finished the game, going 17-of-30 for 165 yards. 

The Saints next face the Seahawks on Sept. 22.