Head coach of the New Orleans Saints, Sean Payton,has confirmed that quarterback Drew Brees won’t play this Sunday against the Carolina Panthers. Instead, backup Luke McCown will get the start. This will be the first time Drew Brees will miss a game due to injury as a member of the Saints. Brees has played in 82 consecutive games.
Brees admitted that this was a difficult decision, but he does believe Luke McCown is the best option for the Saints this week against the Panthers. “I haven’t missed a game due to injury in 20 years, since my junior year in highschool,” Brees told Ed Werder of ESPN. “I consider myself very fortunate for that.”
“Another reason why this decision was so tough. Bottom line is Luke McCown gives us the best chance to win this week. I have to be honest with myself and do what is in the best interest of the team.”
After incurring an injury to his rotator cuff last week in the second quarter of the Saints loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the All-Pro quarterback was still uncertain as of Wednesday whether he’d be able to play this week, according to Ed Werder.
In the second quarter of the 26-19 loss to the Bucs, defensive end Jacquies Smith, ran over Saints offensive tackle Zach Strief, then made contact with quarterback Drew Brees’ shoulder as he was attempting a pass. Brees’ arm and shoulder were knocked backwards causing the football to fly free. After the play, Drew Brees was in noticeable pain as he winced when he stretched and rotated his arm and shoulder. And on the very next play he threw a pass that bounced off the turf to a receiver only a few yards away.
The New Orleans Saints star quarterback has not missed a game because of injury since he joined the team back in 2006. Luke McCown who is only 2-7 as a starter since he entered the NFL, will have to step in and try to help the Saints from starting the season 0-3.
Main Photo: TAMPA, FL – DECEMBER 28: Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints is seen on the field during warmups of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on December 28, 2014 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Alex Menendez/Getty Images)
