New Orleans Saints Roster News: Drew Brees Has Torn Plantar Fascia
The New Orleans Saints lost to the Lions on Monday, but the more pressing concern is that starting quarterback Drew Brees suffered an injury — a torn plantar fascia that could suggest he'll be out for the rest of the season.
While it is apparently not that serious and that he may be able to play through it, team officials aren't forcing the issue because the Saints are essentially out of the postseason picture, which means that it no longer makes any sense to have him play the remaining two games.
The veteran quarterback got the injury in the second period of the Saints' defeat to Detroit. He was seen running away from Ziggy Ansah's defense and later he already was limping. He, however, managed to return to the game in the second half and was able to throw 341 passing yards and three touchdowns, but not before having his foot wrapped by the team's medical staff on the sideline.
It is expected that the 36-year-old will insist on playing the remaining games for Weeks 16 and 17, but there's no guarantee that the coaching staff will allow him. He's been healthy as a horse, missing one game due to an injury in his entire career.
It'll obviously be a dumb decision to let him play, even if the team isn't certain as to Brees' future with the team. An MRI was scheduled, which later confirmed the torn plantar fascia. But the seriousness of the injury is clear, having seen him wearing a walking boot after the game. If ever the results of the MRI are unfavorable, it is likely that the Saints will tap Matt Flynn to start Sunday's game against the Jaguars.
Head coach Sean Payton later told the media that Brees has been listed as day-to-day, but everyone knows he's done for the season.