Saints quarterback Drew Brees appears to have avoided a serious shoulder injury and now believes there's a "reasonable possibility'' he'll play Sunday against the Panthers, according to ESPN.
The initial diagnosis for Brees was a bruised rotator cuff, and orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews examined the MRI scans on Tuesday and confirmed that result. Andrews has reportedly instructed Brees that a hard week of rehab will be vital for his playing chances.
MORE: Saints haven't lost Brees, but luster long gone | Are 0-2 Saints contenders or pretenders?
Brees, 36, suffered a similar injury at the end of last season and managed to play through it. In fact, he hasn't missed a game since he underwent major reconstructive shoulder surgery in 2006 when he played for the Chargers.
"He's someone, you know as well as anyone, he's gonna be a competitor. He's gonna be smart about it as well. But I think we'll have a better idea come Wednesday," Payton said via ESPN.
"It's not gonna be something where it's long-term. I think both he and the doctors are all optimistic," Payton added. "A lot of it is gonna be on the treatment and his ability to come back and really feel like he's got the strength he needs."
The Saints are off to an 0-2 start, including an embarrassing 26-19 loss at home against the Buccaneers last week that marked the team's sixth straight home loss.
If Brees is unable to go, backup Luke McCown will make his 10th career start and first with New Orleans.