Drew Brees Plans to Play vs. Cardinals if Sean Payton Lets Him

Saints QB Drew Brees' thumb is nearly healed from surgery, and he plans to play this coming Sunday vs. the Arizona Cardinals if head coach Sean Payton lets him

According to a confirmed report, New Orleans Saints starting #1 quarterback and future Hall of Famer Drew Brees plans on playing in the Black and Gold's next game, which takes place this upcoming Sunday at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome against the visiting Arizona Cardinals.

As reported late yesterday evening by Cox Sports TV New Orleans host Mike Nabors, the 40-year old signal-caller has set his sights on seeing his first game action since he tore the ulnar collateral ligament in the thumb of his right throwing hand, back during a Week #2 loss to the Rams that's caused him to miss the team's last 5 games.

Talked to Brees in Chicago for @CoxSportsTV #Saints Tonight

*He doesn't rule out playing next week vs Arizona and plans to practice this week like he will play:

"I plan to practice this week and see how things look. I want to get out there as quickly as I can" pic.twitter.com/FiFxRIQlQw

— Mike Nabors (@MikeNabors) October 21, 2019

The (6-1) Saints have managed to win all five games in Brees' absence since he had surgery to repair the thumb; and he will be wearing a protective splint over the repaired area of the surgical site when he resumes playing, regardless of when he returns.

The only question now is if Saints head coach Sean Payton — who will have the final say on such a decision — will actually allow him to.

Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle, USA TODAY Sports

"I plan to practice this week and see how things look", the 19th year veteran told Nabors in an exclusive one-on-one interview. "I want to get out there as quickly as I can". 

But the only way that will happen is if Payton and the team's medical staff deem him capable of doing so first. Brees refused to give a percentage or odds on how likely it is that scenario will happen, but reiterated that the main goal he has right now is at the very least, to be able to resume practicing.

"That's the tricky thing about this, I need to compete in real-life situations. I can stand here and throw the ball all day but I have to get back". Brees was present with his teammates once again in yesterday's 36-25 over the Bears at Soldier Field, as New Orleans beat Chicago behind another stellar performance by the team's defense and back-up #2 QB Teddy Bridgewater; who has gone (5-0) as the team's starter while Brees has been out of the line-up.

Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo, USA TODAY Sports

Brees was visibly eager and appeared to be "chomping at the bit" when television cameras from the FOX network showed him watching the action from the sidelines, as he stood alongside the Saints offensive coaching staff. 

But Brees' impatience notwithstanding, he refused to deny an on-air report by Fox Sports commentator Troy Aikman that he will be declared active against Arizona. He also realizes that the final decision on that possibility, ultimately rests with Payton.

"Maybe, if I'm ready. I think so, possibly, we'll have to see how practice goes this week. I really hope it's good to go. (But) I'm going to be smart about it, I'm not going to go out there unless I know I can get the job done".

Presumably, the Saints could just let Bridgewater start one more game against the Cardinals, since the team will be on their Bye Week following that game against Arizona, in Week #9. The Saints will be off until Week #10, when they return home again to face their despised and hated arch-rivals, the now (1-6) Atlanta Falcons. 

If the team were to follow that particular scenario, it would allow Brees to essentially have an extra two weeks worth of healing for the thumb, which seemingly would stand to benefit all parties involved. 

Mandatory Credit; Derick E. Hingle, USA TODAY Sports

The (6-1) Saints currently lead their division rivals the (4-2) Carolina Panthers, by one-and-a-half games within the NFC South Division. Carolina was idle yesterday, after being off for their Bye Week. 

However, New Orleans remains a half-game behind the undefeated (6-0) San Francisco 49ers, who as of right now are the top team in the conference. The Saints will face the 49ers later this season in Week #14, during the first week of December (December 8th) at the Superdome. 

If the regular season were to end today, the Black and Gold would be the #2 overall seed right behind San Francisco when the Playoffs begin and would have a 1st Round Bye. The Saints are currently only one of two remaining 1-loss teams within the NFC, along with the (6-1) and NFC North Division leading Green Bay Packers.