The veteran passer is ready to return from an oblique injury that cost him three games.
“Do I feel confident in what I can do? Absolutely. I’m going to bring the energy, effort, and support my teammates expect,” Carr stated via Saints Gameday on X.
“I’m no savior… There’s only been one of those. I’m here to lead and do my job to the best of my ability,” he added, according to the Saints’ official site.
The Saints urgently need Carr back at the helm. Rookie QB Spencer Rattler has struggled in his absence, and while he is not entirely to blame for the offensive issues, he has faced challenges with the team missing its top two wide receivers due to injuries.
Chris Olave suffered a concussion in Week 6 and missed the following game against the Denver Broncos, while third-year WR Rashid Shaheed is out for the season after knee surgery. Shaheed had been the Saints’ leading receiver through the first six weeks.
Carr’s return could rejuvenate the offense, as Olave and Taysom Hill played in Week 8. Alvin Kamara has remained a consistent performer, participating in all eight games and accumulating 812 total yards and seven touchdowns. The Saints recently rewarded him with a two-year, $24.5 million contract extension.
Can Derek Carr save the Saints’ seaso
Additionally, New Orleans signed Marquez Valdes-Scantling for depth at receiver after he was released by the Buffalo Bills following their trade for Amari Cooper.
The Saints’ strong 2-0 start now feels like a distant memory, and at 2-6, they desperately need a win to keep their playoff hopes alive. Fortunately, they face the one-win Carolina Panthers in Week 9, a team currently on a five-game losing streak that has reverted to benched QB Bryce Young due to an injury to veteran Andy Dalton.
