The New Orleans Saints entered Week 10 in first place in the NFC South with a record of 5-4, matching up against the red-hot Minnesota Vikings. Staying atop the division is going to be a difficult task after they lost multiple key players to injury in the game.
Starting quarterback Derek Carr was forced out of the game in the third quarter after getting table-topped by defensive ends Danielle Hunter and Jaquelin Roy. He was tended to on the field by the Saints’ training staff and taken straight to the locker room.
Shortly after the evaluation, Carr was ruled out with a concussion and right shoulder injury. This is the second time this season the Saints’ starter was forced out of a game with a shoulder injury, as he sprained his AC joint in Week 3 against the Green Bay Packers. He was back in the lineup the following week.
Before exiting the game, Carr completed 13-of-18 passes for 110 yards. He was replaced by Jameis Winston in the lineup. Carr wasn’t the only key offensive player who was sidelined against the Vikings, as he was joined by wide receiver Michael Thomas.
Thomas played in the Saints’ first offensive drive of the game before exiting with a knee injury. He was the target of Carr’s first two pass attempts in the game and was hit hard. His stay on the field lasted only one player before heading to the sidelines and being evaluated for an injury.
Some light stretching was done on the sideline, but Thomas ultimately did not return to the game. It is a tough blow for the Saints’ passing offense, as Chris Olave is the clear-cut No. 1 option in the passing game with Rashid Shaheed and A.T. Perry filling in behind him.
This is an unfortunate turn of events for Thomas, who has been dealing with several injuries in recent years. However, he had been able to stay healthy to this point, appearing in all 10 games for New Orleans before this most recent knee injury.
Want the latest NFL analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click here. Interested in reading storylines and analysis about the NBA? Check out our partner NBA Analysis Network.
