Saints Vs. Rams: Drew Brees Addresses Hand Injury Concern

The New Orleans Saints would have had revenge on their minds going into their Week 2 game against National Football Conference (NFC) rivals Los Angeles Rams after losing to the same opponents in the NFC championships last season. But the final outcome was not what they expected as they went down 27-9 Sunday night.

The loss to the Rams was not the only concern for head coach Sean Payton ahead of their encounter with Seattle Seahawks in Week 3 as he faces the prospect of being without Drew Brees for an extended period of time. The Saints quarterback suffered an injury to his throwing hand in the first quarter and despite being listed initially as questionable, he failed to return to the game.

Brees dropped back to throw in the first quarter and took a knock to the hand from Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald. The veteran quarterback was seen leaving the arena with a brace around his thumb and the initial prognosis did not sound comforting for the Saints.

The 40-year-old confirmed after the game that he will remain in Los Angeles while the rest of the team travels to Seattle and see a hand specialist but refused to divulge the extent of the injury. Saints coach Payton also did not discuss the injury, with the team expected to provide an update in the coming days.

“I’m concerned. I hope it’s not significant,” Brees said during his post-match press conference.

It will be concerning as in the immediate aftermath of the injury the quarterback was trying to grip the football but simply could hold it. Teddy Bridgewater replaced Brees for the rest of the game and could be looking at more game time in the coming weeks if the starting quarterback has damaged ligaments in his right thumb.