Saints reveal Derek Carr’s possible return date

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

The New Orleans Saints have had a disastrous last couple of weeks without Derek Carr, but the ordeal may be over soon.

Speaking with reporters on Friday, Saints head coach Dennis Allen revealed when the veteran quarterback Carr may potentially return from his oblique injury. Allen said that it is possible Carr could return in Week 8 against the Los Angeles Chargers (but added that Week 9 against the Carolina Panthers was likelier).

“I think we’re getting closer,” said Allen of Carr, per Katherine Terrell of ESPN. “Do I think he’s going to be ready for the Chargers game? I’m not sure. I think that’s questionable.

“I think it’s certainly very likely for the following week [against Carolina],” Allen added of Carr’s return. “But I think we have got to just kind of go through the process and see how he does over the next three or four days and that’ll probably give us a much clearer picture in terms of his availability for this weekend.”

The former Pro Bowler Carr has been out since suffering his oblique issue in a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 5. Rookie QB Spencer Rattler has taken over for the Saints over the last two weeks, but both weeks have been appalling blowout defeats (51-27 to Tampa Bay and then 33-10 to Denver). One particular sequence by Rattler, who has one TD to two interceptions as the starter, during the loss to the Broncos was especially horrible.

Carr is known as a gamer and has played through some pretty significant injuries in the past. With over a full week still left to go before New Orleans’ next game, the 33-year-old Carr may be in play for a Week 8 return (though he will have to do it without one of his top offensive weapons).