Saints: Derek Carr Shoulder Injury Update

An injury update on New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr.

New Orleans Saints starting quarterback Derek Carr will be sidelined for a few games due to an AC sprain on his throwing shoulder that he suffered against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday. Multiple reports confirm that Carr was evaluated at a Green Bay hospital and found to have a non-serious injury. Ian Rapoport posted on social media, "After a multitude of tests, there was no additional damage. When he plays will be determined by the swelling and how he gains mobility."  SNN's John Hendrix reports that Carr was on the team's flight back to New Orleans.

New Orleans backup quarterback Jameis Winston took over for the injured Carr during the third quarter. If Carr cannot play in Week 4 against Tampa Bay, Winson will expect to start at quarterback for New Orleans.

New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (4) is helped to his feet after being injured during the third quarter of their game Sunday, September 24, 2023 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. The Green Bay Packers beat the New Orleans Saints 18-17. Credit: © Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK

After falling 18-17 to the Packers, New Orleans has a 2-1 on the season. They have kept pace in the NFC South with the Atlanta Falcons, who lost 20-6 to the Detroit Lions. Tampa Bay, who is 2-0, plays at home against Philadephia on Monday Night Football. Carolina has a 0-2 record and trails Seattle in the 4th quarter at the time of this report.

The Saints signed Derek Carr this offseason to become the team's franchise quarterback. On March 6, Carr signed a four-year, $150 million deal — $100 million guaranteed, $60 million fully guaranteed — with New Orleans. He is 2-1 as the team's starting signal-caller.   

Tampa Bay drafted Jameis Winston as the top pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. He's a former Heisman Trophy winner and guided Florida State to the FBS National Championship title. New Orleans relies on Winston as the team's backup quarterback. EVP and general manager Mickey Loomis offered him a one-year extension worth $4 million and incentives up to $4 million on March 13. He has a 6-4 record as a starting quarterback for New Orleans.

Taysom Hill will serve as Winston's backup.