Saints' Carr will return vs. Panthers after 3-game absence

New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr is slated to return Sunday against the Carolina Panthers after missing the past three games with an oblique injury, the team announced Friday.

Carr was a limited participant in practice all week.

The veteran's return was expected after head coach Dennis Allen said earlier this week that he was optimistic about Carr's availability.

Carr tried to downplay the notion that his return would put the 2-6 Saints back on track, calling himself "no savior." New Orleans has lost six in a row.

Fifth-round rookie Spencer Rattler started in Carr's absence, though he struggled mightily. Rattler threw one touchdown and two interceptions with a 70.7 passer rating.

Allen previously noted that Jake Haener will serve as Carr's backup instead of Rattler.

Carr was off to a hot start before his injury, recording a 70.3% completion rate, eight touchdowns, and four interceptions.