Saints' Allen optimistic Carr can return in Week 9
New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr is expected back at practice Wednesday, head coach Dennis Allen announced Monday.
Carr missed the past three games due to an oblique injury, but Allen said he's optimistic about the quarterback's availability Sunday against the Carolina Panthers.
The Saints' season went into a tailspin after a 2-0 start. They've lost six games in a row, including all three that Carr missed.
Fifth-round rookie Spencer Rattler has taken the reins in Carr's absence, though he's completed under 60% of his passes for one touchdown and two interceptions.
New Orleans has been devastated by injuries this year. In addition to Carr missing time, the team also lost wide receiver Rashid Shaheed to a season-ending meniscus injury and cornerback Paulson Adebo to a broken femur. Alvin Kamara has been playing through a broken hand, and wideout Chris Olave missed one game with a concussion.
Carr had accumulated eight passing touchdowns to four interceptions prior to his injury.