Saints QB Derek Carr could return in Week 9 against the Panthers

NEW ORLEANS – Saints quarterback Derek Carr could potentially return in Week 9 against the Carolina Panthers, according to Saints coach Dennis Allen.

Carr has missed the last two games with an oblique strain on his left side. Carr was injured in the Saints' loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 5 and was diagnosed with an oblique strain on his left side. He has not returned to practice since the injury and was replaced by rookie Spencer Rattler in the last two games.

Allen said Carr will likely begin throwing practice Saturday.

“This is not a question of pain tolerance,” Allen said in a conference call Friday. “It's a question of functionality when it comes to just being able to turn your upper body to make throws and be functional. Of course, there is a certain level of pain that comes with that, but his ability to rotate his upper body and throw the football is an important part of what quarterbacks need to be able to do.

Allen said Thursday night that tight end Taysom Hill, who was sidelined with a rib injury, will likely return next week against the Los Angeles Chargers. Allen didn't completely rule out Carr for next week's game, but did say the following week's game against the Panthers was the goal.

“I think we’re getting closer. Do I think he will be ready for the Charger game? I'm not sure. I think that’s questionable,” Allen said. “I think it's certainly very likely for next week. But I think we'll just have to go through the process and see how he does over the next three or four days and that will probably give us a much clearer picture regarding his availability for this weekend.

Allen said most players will get the weekend off after playing three games in 10 days. Injured players, including Carr, will complete their rehab plans this weekend. He said Saints athletic trainers seemed optimistic about getting some players off the Saints' long injury list.

“It looks like there's a chance that some people will be available next week that weren't available to us. So we hope we continue to get good news on that front,” Allen said.

Allen said cornerback Paulson Adebo's season is over, but cornerback Marshon Lattimore, who left Thursday's game with a hamstring injury, appears to be OK. Allen said offensive guard Nick Saldiveri is out week-to-week with a shoulder injury, but offensive guard Cesar Ruiz (knee) has a chance to return next week. Center Erik McCoy, who is in intensive care after groin surgery, is not yet ready to return but is “recovering well” and could begin rehab soon.

“It's not just the number of injuries that matters, but also the injuries and who they affect. They are important cogs in our company. Our three offensive captains are injured and are not playing at the moment. This is difficult to cope with. But that’s it. That’s it,” Allen said.