Drew Brees out for Week 3 game with shoulder injury

An impressive streak will end on Sunday for the New Orleans Saints.

Head coach Sean Payton announced Friday that quarterback Drew Brees will not play in Sunday’s game against the Carolina Panthers because of a shoulder injury suffered in a Week 2 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. That will mark the first time Brees misses a game for the Saints because of injury since signing with them prior to the 2006 season.

Brees was hurt after being hit awkwardly in the shoulder while attempting a throw early in the game. His ability to pass was affected thereafter, and the Saints did not look good in the game.

Payton’s announcement confirms a report from NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport earlier in the week that said the Saints expected Brees to miss a game with the injury. Payton called the report “inaccurate,” but maybe he was just trying to keep Carolina on its toes. Luke McCown will start for the Saints, who are in serious danger of beginning the season 0-3.