SAINTS QB CARR CLEARS PROTOCOL

Saints quarterback Derek Carr cleared the concussion protocol on Friday evening, increasing the liklelihood that he’ll start on Sunday against the Carolina Panthers.

Carr, who left New Orleans’ 33-28 loss to Detroit last week with a concussion as well as shoulder and rib injuries, was listed as questionable on Friday’s injury report.

However, he participated — at least on a limited basis — in every practice this week.

“I have felt better, but I’m doing great,” Carr, who was concussed twice in 22 days, said after clearing the protocol.

“I don’t really have any concerns,” Carr added. “Our doctors and the non-affiliated doctor said everything was perfect.”

Carr’s injury came after he’d been booed repeatedly by the Superdome crowd when taking the field, starting in pre-game warmups and throughout much of last Sunday’s game.

Carr said preparing for this week’s game required more of a time commitment than usual because of his various ailments.

Multi-position player Taysom Hill was listed as questionable with hand and foot injuries after not practicing this week.

Seahawks’ Smith hurting

The Seattle Seahawks listed quarterback Geno Smith as questionable for Sunday’s game against San Francisco. He will be a game-time decision due to a groin injury suffered in practice.

Seattle coach Pete Carroll said after practice on Friday that Smith “tweaked his groin” on Thursday when he stumbled over somebody. Smith sat out practice on Friday.

“We’ll see. We rested him today,” Carroll said.

The injury could lead to backup Drew Lock making his first start since being acquired by the Seahawks as part of the trade that sent Russell Wilson to Denver before the 2022 season.

Notable

The Chiefs will be without four of their starters, including running back Isiah Pacheco and left tackle

Donovan Smith on offense, when they play the Bills.

Jaguars quarterback

Trevor Lawrence’s availability for Sunday’s game at Cleveland will be a gametime decision based on how he feels during warmups.

Joe Flacco’s second straight start for the Browns appears inevitable, if not essential. It’s just not official. Cleveland coach Kevin Stefanski remained noncommittal about his starter for Sunday’s crucial game against Jacksonville despite Flacco getting all the first-team quarterback reps during the portion of Friday’s practice open to the media.

Left tackle Kolton Miller, the Raiders’ best offensive lineman, will not play in Sunday’s home game against the Vikings because of a lingering shoulder injury.