Derek Carr to play through significant injuries against Panthers

Mar 11, 2023; Metairie, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (4) speaks at Ochsner Sports Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr suffered multiple injuries when he took a huge hit late in his team’s Week 13 loss to the Detroit Lions, but he is planning to play through them.

Carr is expected to start on Sunday against the Carolina Panthers, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Media. The 32-year-old cleared concussion protocol on Friday. Carr is also dealing with a rib cartilage fracture and sprained AC joint in his shoulder, but Rapoport says the veteran will have a pain-killing injection before the game and suit up.

Carr was leveled by Lions pass-rusher Bruce Irvin in the fourth quarter last week. Irvin was called for roughing the passer. You can see the play here.

The Saints announced that Carr was in concussion protocol and had also sustained shoulder and back injuries. Jameis Winston came on to close out the game.

Carr has been banged up quite a bit this season, but he has started all 12 games for the Saints. He has 2,761 passing yards, 11 touchdowns and 6 interceptions in his first year with the team.