New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees is improving from his 11 broken ribs, was seen training last week and plans to play the Philadelphia Eagles as early as week 14, a source told ESPN.
It’s not certain that Brees will play Philadelphia, but he has clearly made enough progress in his recovery that New Orleans could make another quarterback decision next Sunday if he is eligible to get off the injured reserve.
Taysom Hill will start under the middle for the third straight year in the Saints game against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, and his performance could also have an impact on how quickly Brees returns. New Orleans has won each of its last two games, and Hill has passed 311 yards and four touchdowns during that distance.
If New Orleans continues to win and Hill continues to play well, the pressure the Saints may be feeling to push Bree back will be removed and it could buy him additional time. But if New Orleans loses on Sunday and Hill struggles, the team might be able to turn to Brees again.
Brees, 41, was put on IR on November 20 with broken ribs and a collapsed lung, forcing him to miss at least three games. He said at the time that he was hoping to be ready to play by week 14, although the Saints have not given a schedule for his return.
The Saints (9-2) have the best record in NFC, and there are several scenarios where they could secure a post-season berth on Sunday.
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