Saints quarterback Derek Carr is leaving the shop.
After missing the past three games with an oblique injury, Carr is expected to return for New Orleans in Week 9 against the Panthers (1-7).
The Saints have been in a tailspin without Carr, losing their last three games by an average of 21.7 points per game.
In his five starts, New Orleans averaged 28 points per game. It blew out the Panthers and Cowboys before losing by a combined five points to the Eagles and Falcons.
Carr suffered his injury in a 26-13, Week 6 “Monday Night Football” loss to the Chiefs.
Carr is 90-of-128 (70.3%) for 989 yards, eight touchdowns and four interceptions this season. His 100.7 passer rating is the third-best of his career and highest since 2020 (101.4).
Carr’s presence should also benefit New Orleans’ offensive line. Before his injury, he was one of the league’s best quarterbacks at avoiding sacks.
Per data from Pro Football Focus, his 10.4% pressure-to-sack rate is tied with Packers quarterback Jordan Love for the lowest in the league among quarterbacks with at least 100 dropbacks.
Over the past three weeks, quarterback Spencer Rattler was sacked 15 times on 45 pressures, a 33.3% pressure-to-sack rate.
The Saints (2-6) desperately need a win in Week 9. They’ve lost six in a row but have a favorable road game against Carolina, which they beat 47-10 in Week 1.
Carr downplayed the significance of his return on Wednesday, telling reporters he wasn’t a “savior.”
“There’s only been one of those, and that is not me,” Carr said.
“I feel confident in what I can do … But to save us or anything like that, that’s not me,” he added. (h/t ESPN)
Carr might not be comfortable playing the role of savior, but that’s the role the Saints need him to play.
