New Orleans Saints

Report: Drew Brees seeking second opinion on shoulder

Published Sep. 22, 2015 9:10 a.m. ET

foxsports

By Jesse Reed

After an MRI determined no structural damage on Drew Brees’ throwing shoulder, the New Orleans Saints quarterback is seeking a second opinion about the injury from famed orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews, according to a report.

Brees’ status for the team’s Week 3 contest against divisional rival Carolina Panthers is still uncertain, and the quarterback wants to make doubly sure he’s getting all the facts before making any decision, according to ESPN’s Mike Triplett.

“Brees will get a second opinion from orthopedic specialist Dr. James Andrews with another look at the MRI, and his availability will be determined by how the injury responds to treatment over the next few days, the sources said,” Triplett writes.

After suffering the initial injury in Week 2 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Brees admitted the ball “didn’t come out really well” afterwards. He struggled to connect with receivers down the field, and the entire Saints offense failed to generate any momentum as a result.

Should the 36-year old quarterback feel inclined to sit out any games after consulting with Dr. Andrews, then Luke McCown would get the call to run Sean Payton’s offense in the meantime. Should this occur, then Saints fans should brace for another loss. In nine career starts, McCown has gone 2-7 while throwing nine touchdowns compared to 14 interceptions.

Regardless of whether or not Brees plays in Week 3, Payton remains optimistic his quarterback will be available sooner, rather than later. Speaking on the WWL Radio coaches show on Monday, he said he didn’t think they were dealing with anything long-term and that both Brees and the doctors were optimistic, per Triplett.

At this point in his career, it’s wise for Brees to take every precaution and get all the facts before throwing himself back into the fray. Despite his desire to play until he is 45, there is no doubt his body cannot take the same abuse these days as it has in years past.

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