Saints' Payton: Brees has 'a ways to go' before returning

The New Orleans Saints are still hopeful Drew Brees can return from his injuries this week, but head coach Sean Payton knows the quarterback still has "a ways to go" in his recovery.

"We haven't ruled anything just because we don't have to," Payton said Wednesday, according to Mike Triplett of ESPN. "He's got a ways to go still, and he's someone we're not gonna just hurry back and just put him in the game.

"I think the significance of the injuries are such that you've gotta make sure he can function and feel confident."

Brees has missed the last four games after suffering 11 fractured ribs and a collapsed lung in Week 10. He was placed on injured reserve on Nov. 20.

The Saints designated Brees to return from IR Wednesday, which clears him to practice with the team.

New Orleans won three of the four games without the future Hall of Famer under center. Taysom Hill has completed 71.9% of his pass attempts while throwing four touchdowns against two interceptions in those contests. He's also rushed for 209 yards and four scores.

The 10-3 Saints have already clinched a playoff berth but are currently fighting for the NFC's No. 1 spot, which would guarantee them a bye in the playoffs. The team is second to the Green Bay Packers in the conference standings.

New Orleans had its nine-game winning streak snapped with last week's upset loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Getting back to the win column won't be easy as it faces the Kansas City Chiefs - winners of eight straight - in Week 15.