BREAKING: Saints QB Carr Passes Concussion Protocols, Will Start vs. Panthers

Derek Carr passes concussion protocols and will start for Saints against Carolina.

New Orleans Saints QB Derek Carr has officially passed all concussion protocols and will reportedly start against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. The final medical hurdles were cleared on Saturday after Carr participated in practice all week. Per John Hendrix of the Saints News Network, Carr will have no injury designation going into tomorrow's matchup. 

Carr left last week's loss to the Detroit Lions early in the fourth quarter on a hit by DE Bruce Irvin. He sustained a concussion and injured ribs on the play. It was Carr's second concussion in less than a month. He was also knocked out of a Week 10 loss to Minnesota with a concussion, but did not miss his next start two weeks later after a bye.

The 32-year-old Carr has started every game this season, his first with New Orleans. He's completed 66.2% of his throws for 2,761 yards with 11 touchdowns and six interceptions. Carr has five 300-yard games for a New Orleans offense that ranks 10th in passing production, but has struggled mightily in the red zone. 

Sep 18, 2023; New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (4) passes the ball as Carolina Panthers linebacker Justin Houston (50) pursues. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY

While Carr will play, versatile weapon Taysom Hill (foot) is considered a game-time decision after not practicing all week. Wideout Chris Olave also missed practice on Thursday and Friday with the flu and could also be a game-time decision. This is an offense that will also be without injured wideouts Michael Thomas and Rashid Shaheed. 

Wideout Marquez Callaway was a standard elevation from the practice squad to the active roster for Sunday's game. He'll join A.T. Perry, Lynn Bowden Jr., and Keith Kirkwood at the receiver spot. The Saints have scored 20 points or less in seven of their 12 games this season. 

New Orleans, 5-7, needs a win over 1-11 Carolina to cling on to fading hopes in the NFC South. The Saints defeated the Panthers by a 20-17 score Week 2 in Carolina. In that win, Carr completed 21 of 36 passes for 228 yards with no touchdown passes, an interception, and four sacks.