REPORT: Brees has multiple rib fractures; collapsed lung

NEW ORLEANS (WAFB) - MRI and x-ray results on New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees show he suffered multiple rib fractures on both sides of his chest during the last two games.

According to ESPN’s Ed Werder, Brees also has a collapsed lung on the right side. The injuries reportedly occurred over two weeks.

Source: Results of medical evaluations performed today on #Saints quarterback Drew Brees revealed that he has multiple rib fractures on both sides of his chest and a collapsed lung on the right side. Injuries suffered over two weeks. It is uncertain how much time he might miss.
— Ed Werder (@WerderEdESPN) November 16, 2020

Werder also reports Brees suffered two fractured ribs Sunday against the 49ers and three others on the right side the previous week against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers that were not seen on x-ray until Monday.

Drew Brees suffered two fractured ribs Sunday against the 49ers and three others on the right side the previous week against the Bucs that were not seen on X-ray until today. Brees has been advised to be cautious with the collapsed lung.
— Ed Werder (@WerderEdESPN) November 16, 2020

It’s uncertain how much time Brees may miss due to the injuries. Jameis Winston replaced Brees in the second half of the Saints' win over the 49ers Sunday.

“It had nothing to do with pain," said Brees. "It was definitely just what my body was going to be able to do or not be able to do.”

“I try to give everybody my all," said Winston. "I try to be right there with Drew along the way, watching film with him, and preparing with him, so I felt like I went out there and I was prepared to lead this team, and I’m happy that my teammates had my back and they went out there and executed well and things went our way.”

The most optimistic timetable for Brees' return is two to three weeks, according to ESPN’s Dan Graziano. It will depend on how long it takes Brees to heal. There’s hope Brees could be back in time for the playoffs.

Source on Brees says the most optimistic recovery time would be 2-3 weeks. Emphasis on "optimistic." Will depend on healing time, which varies by patient, and when they're convinced he can take a hit without risk of serious re-injury. There is hope he's back in time for playoffs.
— Dan Graziano (@DanGrazianoESPN) November 16, 2020

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The next four games for the Saints (7-2) are against three-win teams. They host the Falcons (3-6) Sunday, Nov. 22. Then, they travel to Denver (3-6) Sunday, Nov. 29. Next, they face the Falcons again, but this time in Atlanta on Sunday, Dec. 6. They follow up that trip with one to Philadelphia to take on the Eagles (3-5-1) Sunday, Dec. 13.

After that stretch, the Saints host Patrick Mahomes and the defending Super Bowl champions, the Kansas City Chiefs, on Sunday, Dec. 20.

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