Brees, Saints get to take aim at Falcons tonight
Bears likely to go without injured Trubisky at Detroit
NEW ORLEANS — The latest chance for Saints fans to show Drew Brees their gratitude for the many memorable, triumphant moments he’s brought them comes tonight.
The Saints (9-1) are riding an NFL-high nine-game winning streak as the rival Atlanta Falcons (4-6) land in New Orleans, so don’t expect a sleepy crowd in the Superdome.
Some 13 seasons after Brees embraced the challenge of resurrecting a downtrodden franchise in a disaster-ravaged city, his level of play, at age 39, appears as high as ever.
He is on pace to break his single-season record completion rate of 72 percent. His touch-down-to-interception ratio is 25-1. And the Saints, averaging 37.9 points per game, are threatening to score more points in a season than any team in NFL history.
“He’s been as challenging a guy to go against over the years as you can imagine,” Falcons coach Dan Quinn said, adding that he’s been particularly struck by Brees’ accuracy and decisiveness. “To say he’s doing it better than ever — he’s been doing it pretty well for a long time, but I’d say he’s certainly doing it as well.
On Atlanta’s end, linebacker Deion Jones has been ruled out of tonight’s game in New Orleans.
Jones came off injured reserve last week after missing two months with a broken right foot. He was inactive against Dallas last Sunday.
BEARS: Chicago listed quarterback Mitch Trubisky as “doubtful” to play in today’s game in Detroit against the Lions because of a right shoulder injury.
That means backup Chase Daniel is in line to make his third career start in 10 seasons in the NFL. The Bears also were expected to promote third-string quarterback Tyler Bray from the practice squad on Wednesday afternoon to back up Daniel.
Trubisky injured his right shoulder late in Sunday’s 25-20 victory over the Vikings on a late hit by safety Harrison Smith.
JETS: New York QB Sam Darnold suited up for practice for the first time since injuring his right foot, but did not participate in team drills as he continues to recover.
Coach Todd Bowles said Darnold is progressing, but is uncertain to play Sunday against New England.
Darnold was injured at Miami on Nov. 4 and sat out the Jets’ previous game against Buffalo on Nov. 11. Josh McCown started in his place and would do so again if Darnold is unable to play.
RODGERS: Green Bay QB Aaron Rodgers has donated $1 million toward fire relief efforts in California’s Butte County, where he grew up before going on to star in the NFL.