Drew Brees has already been ruled out for Week 3, and there is reportedly a pretty good chance he remains sidelined for the New Orleans Saints in Week 4, as well.
Dealing with a bruised rotator cuff, Brees reportedly had trouble getting any velocity on his passes this week leading up to Sunday’s game against the Carolina Panthers.
With that as our guideline as to how he’s doing right now, it’s not surprising that Ian Rapoport is suggesting Brees will not be ready to face the Dallas Cowboys next weekend.
On #Saints QB Drew Brees: I’m told he’s viewed as a long shot for next week vs. #Cowboys. He’s working hard it, but has a steep climb.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 27, 2015
This is surely frustrating for Brees, who, at the age of 36 doesn’t have a ton of time left to play at a high level in the NFL. It’s also certainly frustrating for the Saints as a whole, because the team is staring an 0-4 start right in the face.
Even with Brees leading the charge, fully healthy, New Orleans would be an underdog against Carolina and Dallas, given the sad state of affairs defensively. With Luke McCown behind center, there’s even less room for optimism.
McCown has nine NFL starts under his belt in his 10-year career, earning a 2-7 mark while throwing nine touchdowns and 14 interceptions. Safe to say, he’s just ever so slightly a drop-off in talent compared to Brees.
At this point, the playoffs are just a pipe dream for the Saints. Perhaps, if Brees is able to return, a miracle could occur to make a postseason berth a possibility, but things don’t look good on that front right now.