Saints’ Brees to miss time with rib injury, collapsed lung
Drew Brees has been diagnosed with multiple rib fractures and a collapsed right lung, a person with knowledge of the situation said Monday.
The 41- year- old quarterback was injured on a heavy hit by San Francisco defensive lineman Kentavius Street in the second quarter of New Orleans 2713 victory over the 49ers on Sunday.
Brees’ injuries, which were first reported by ESPN, are expected to sideline the quarterback for multiple weeks. Two of the Saints’ next three games are against the Falcons, first on Sunday in the Superdome and then in Atlanta on Dec. 6. In between, New Orleans visits Denver on Nov. 29.
Saints coach Sean Payton said Monday he would not comment on any injuries before the first required injury report on Wednesday.
But with Brees virtually certain to miss upcoming games, the Saints’ offense is likely to be run primarily by Jameis Winston, a 2015 first overall draft choice by Tampa Bay whom New Orleans signed to a one-year contract as a free agent this offseason. Taysom Hill, a utility player who intermittently takes over for Brees on option plays — but also plays tight end and on special teams — also could see his snaps at quarterback increase, depending on Winston’s performance.
While Brees initially missed just two plays after the hit by Street and returned for another touchdown drive in the final two minutes of the half, he told Payton he did not feel fit to continue in the second half. Winston took most of the snaps after that, with Hill also running a number of plays behind center.
BRONCOS QB LOCK (RIBS) COULD MISS WEEK 11 >> Denver Broncos quarterback Drew Lock is dealing with sore ribs and might miss the team’s Week 11 game, coach Vic Fangio said.
Fangio said Lock is questionable to practice Wednesday. The Broncos (36) host the Miami Dolphins (6-3) on Sunday.
BROWNS CLOSE FACILITY AFTER PLAYER TESTS POSITIVE >> The Cleveland Browns closed their facility in Berea, Ohio, on Monday after a player tested positive for COVID-19.
The team said the player “immediately self-isolated” and the facility will be closed while contact tracing is being conducted.
Later Monday, Cleveland placed fullback Andy Janovich on the reserve/COVID-19 list.
CHIEFS SIGN COACH REID, GM VEACH TO CONTRACT EXTENSIONS >> The Kansas City Chiefs signed Andy Reid and Brett Veach to contract extensions that will provide added stability by keeping together the most successful coach/general manager combination in franchise history well into the future.
The Chiefs declined to announce the terms of the extensions, though it’s unlikely Reid or Veach was going anywhere. They have built a juggernaut together, reaching back-to-back AFC championship games and delivering the Chiefs their first Super Bowl title in 50 years last season. And at 8-1, they are in good position to defend the title.
DARNOLD OUT AGAIN FOR JETS, FLACCO TO START >>
New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold will be sidelined for a second straight game as he recovers from an injured right shoulder. Coach Adam Gase said Monday that Joe Flacco will start in Darnold’s place when the winless Jets take on the Chargers in Los Angeles on Sunday.
Darnold sprained the AC joint in his right shoulder against Denver on Oct. 1, but stayed in the game before being sidelined for two contests. He reinjured it at Kansas City on Nov. 1.
NEWTON HELPS PATRIOTS BEAT RAVENS IN RAIN AND WIND >> Cam Newton threw a touchdown pass and ran for another score and the host New England Patriots fought through rain and wind to hold off the Baltimore Ravens 23-17 late Sunday night.
Damien Harris ran for a career-high 121 yards to help the Patriots win consecutive games for the first time this season. Newton was 13 of 17 for 118 yards.
PANTHERS QB BRIDGEWATER AVOID S MAJOR KNEE INJURY >>
Carolina Panthers quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is day-to- day with a sprained right MCL, NFL Network reported. Bridgewater sustained the knee injury in Sunday’s loss to Tampa Bay.