After missing multiple games with an oblique injury, New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr is expected to return in Week 9 against the Carolina Panthers, coach Dennis Allen said Friday.
Carr, 33, avoided an injury designation after logging three limited practice sessions in his first week back with the team since exiting in the fourth quarter of the Saints’ Week 5 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.
New Orleans (2-6) is in the midst of a six-game skid — during which it was outscored 177-94, including a 51-27 Week 6 thumping to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers — something Allen is hoping to break with his 11-year QB back in the lineup.
“I thought this week in practice — offensively — we looked really sharp. My hope is that carries over into the game,” Allen said Friday during his media availability.
“I think anytime you get a player like Derek that comes back, somebody with experience — he’s broken a lot of huddles throughout his career. Being able to get the communication, get everybody lined up and make sure everybody is on the same page. I think that will improve with a veteran quarterback back there.”
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In Carr’s absence, rookie QB Spencer Rattler took over and struggled for most of his run en route to posting a 59.6 percent completion rate (59-of-99) for 571 passing yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. Backup Jake Haener saw limited playing time and recorded 160 yards and one TD.
With a favorable matchup against Carolina (1-7) on tap, Carr hopes to nab the Saints’ first win since Week 2. The 33-year-old QB has completed 90 of 128 pass attempts for 989 passing yards, eight TDs and four interceptions in his five starts this season.
(Photo: Harry How / Getty Images)
