Sean Payton: Drew Brees seeks second opinion on hurt thumb

The Saints coach declined to put a timetable on the injured quarterback.

New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) watches game action against the Los Angeles Rams during the first half at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Reports on Monday said Saints quarterback Drew Brees could miss at least six weeks after surgery on his hurt thumb is completed.

But coach Sean Payton declined to put a timetable on his injured signal caller. During a teleconference with New Orleans media later Monday, the coach said the team is seeking a second opinion on the reported ligament damage to the throwing hand.

"Hopefully the news is good and the length of time, if there is any, that he's out shorter than longer," Payton said.

The injury to Brees occurred at the end of the second Saints possession Sunday against the Rams. Brees attempted a pass and his hand hit against Aaron Donald's hand as he charged into the backfield with his arms raised. 

Brees tried on the sideline to pick up a football but could not maintain a grip. Teddy Bridgewater finished the game. The Saints lost 27-9.

For Brees, a six-week absence would lead into the Saints' Week 9 bye. After that, New Orleans has a stretch of four consecutive games against NFC South teams, with a fifth divisional game in Week 17 against Carolina.