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Drew Brees was not milking it. That much is abundantly clear. The New Orleans Saints appear set to be without their franchise quarterback for at least the immediate future following Sunday’s game, when Brees was would-be sacked by 49ers defensive tackle Kentavius Street. The hit, which was flagged for Street landing on Brees, drew ire from most onlookers, who saw it as a legal sack.
Brees was seen writhing on the ground and struggling following the hit. He remained in the game until the conclusion of the first half when he was replaced by the amalgam of Jameis Winston and Taysom Hill.
According to ESPN’s Ed Werder, Brees has suffered a punctured lung on his right side and at least five cracked ribs: three on his left side and two on his right side. There may be more fractures.
More from @WerderEdESPN: Drew Brees is suffering from three fractured ribs on his left side and two on the right, possibly more. Doctors have cautioned Brees to be especially careful with the damage to his lung. https://t.co/6Ps1pPOfek
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 16, 2020
Perhaps more astonishing is the fact that Brees entered Sunday’s game with at least one fractured rib.
#Saints QB Drew Brees actually came into the game with at least one cracked rib, source said. He was shown on the field before the game in a flak jacket, and that’s why.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 16, 2020
It’s clear Brees will miss some time, but Rapoport reports that it is unlikely he’ll be placed on injured reserve. That would leave Winston as the team’s quarterback, which doesn’t exactly inspire confidence following Sunday’s performance (and Winston’s career penchant for throwing interceptions).
