Derek Carr injury update: Saints QB out with shoulder, concussion issues after hit by Vikings' Danielle Hunter

Bryan Murphy

Derek Carr injury update: Saints QB out with shoulder, concussion issues after hit by Vikings' Danielle Hunter image

The injuries are starting to pile up for Saints quarterback Derek Carr . 

The New Orleans starter was injured on Sunday during the Saints' contest against the Vikings. He was hit by Minnesota defensive lineman Danielle Hunter and immediately went into the blue medical tent for evaluation. 

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Backup QB Jameis Winston entered the game at quarterback for the Saints. 

Carr hasn't missed a start yet this season, but the 32-year-old has been far from fully healthy in his first season in New Orleans. The quarterback suffered an AC joint sprain in Week 3, but played through the ailment. 

At the time of his exit during Sunday's game, Carr was 13 of 18 for 110 yards, no touchdowns and no interceptions. The Saints already lost wide receiver Michael Thomas earlier in the game with a knee injury. 

MORE: Get the latest injury updates on Saints WR Michael Thomas

Here are the latest updates on Carr's injury.  

Derek Carr injury update

Carr was injured in the third quarter of Sunday's game against the Vikings. He was hit by Minnesota lineman Danielle Hunter. 

Not only did Hunter make contact high on Carr, but the quarterback also had his legs taken out from him at the same time with Vikings linebacker Brian Asamoah II on the ground under Carr. 

After spending time in the tent, Carr was transported to the locker room via cart.

Carr has since been ruled out of the game with a right shoulder injury. He is also being evaluated for a concussion. 

Saints coach Dennis Allen had a positive report on Carr's status the day after the game. He told reporters Monday that Carr's shoulder "checked out fine," though the QB remains in the concussion protocol. 

With the Saints entering their bye week, Carr should have plenty of time to clear that process by their next game, Nov. 26 at the Falcons. 

Saints QB depth chart

With Carr out of the game, that paves the way for Winston to lead the offense. 

The veteran quarterback is in fourth season with New Orleans. Despite his previous experience as a starter with the Buccaneers, Winston has been operated mostly as a backup during his time with the Saints. 

Sunday's Week 10 appearance marks the third of the season for Winston. He previously saw game action in Week 3 when Carr left the game with a shoulder injury, completing 10 of 16 passes for 101 yards. He also made a garbage-time appearance last week during the Saints' loss to the Buccaneers. 

In addition to Winston, the Saints have quarterback/tight end Taysom Hill as an option under center. The 33-year-old Swiss army knife is used mostly as a wildcat option, but does have experience playing quarterback in the traditional sense. 

 

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Bryan Murphy

Bryan Murphy Photo

Bryan Murphy joined The Sporting News in 2022 as the NHL/Canada content producer. Previously he worked for NBC Sports on their national news desk reporting on breaking news for the NFL, MLB, NBA and NHL, in addition to covering the 2020 and 2022 Olympic Games. A graduate of Quinnipiac University, he spent time in college as a beat reporter covering the men’s ice hockey team.