New Orleans Saints Quarterback Derek Carr Suffers Shoulder Injury

The New Orleans Saints season took a cruel turn in Sunday's 18-17 loss to the Green Bay Packers. After jumping out to a 17-0 third-quarter lead, starting quarterback Derek Carr suffered a shoulder injury that forced him to miss the remainder of the game. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the four-time Pro Bowler has been diagnosed with an AC sprain.

More: Derek Carr is believed to have suffered an AC sprain, source said. After a multitude of tests, there was no additional damage. When he plays will be determined by the swelling and how he gains mobility. https://t.co/iALy1FIBtr
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 24, 2023

Carr was slammed to the turf on a third-quarter sack by Packers edge rusher Rashan Gary and was unable to brace his fall. He was in visible pain and was later escorted to the locker room. He was eventually declared out and transported to a local hospital.

Carr was replaced in the lineup by Jameis Winston, and the Saints' afternoon turned from bad to worse. Winston finished the game leading five straight scoreless drives, and the Packers clawed their way back into the game, stealing an improbable win with a fourth-quarter touchdown drive.

Given the initial apparent severity of Carr's injury, this diagnosis is about as positive as the Saints could hope for. By all accounts, Carr isn't facing a season-ending injury. How long he'll be out remains to be seen, but it's possible he'll even avoid a stint on injured reserve.

In the meantime, the Saints will rely on Winston, who has won six of his 10 starts as a Saint since signing as a free agent in 2020. Depending on the length of Carr's absence, the Saints should remain in contention for a surprisingly competitive NFC South: the Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Atlanta Falcons all have at least two wins through three weeks.