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NFL injury analyst weighs in on potentially serious injury to QB Drew Brees
By Paul Harvey
Published:
New Orleans Saints QB Drew Brees was removed from Sunday’s game in the first half and all indications are that his day is done.
The apparent injury to Brees came on a play that involved a pass rush from Los Angeles Rams DL Aaron Donald. After getting a pass off, Brees had his throwing hand slapped awkwardly by Donald as he tried to block the throw. The initial hit did not seem serious, but trainers were seen testing Brees’ thumb before taping it up on the sideline.
He has not returned to the field since the play happened:
Saints QB Drew Brees has been removed from the game after he hit his throwing hand on the hand of Aaron Donald during a pass rush.
Teddy Bridgewater is now in at QB. pic.twitter.com/5qCmqUJEJd
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) September 15, 2019
After the hit and photos of Brees’ thumb being tested surfaced, injury commentator Dr. Jessica Flynn discussed the worries with the injury. According to Dr. Flynn, the test being administered was likely to determine if Brees sustained a UCL tear. Some of the factors surrounding the test and Brees’ removal has Dr. Flynn worried that may be exactly what happened.
If Brees did suffer a UCL tear, surgery is likely necessary to fix the issue:
The photo on the right is a test for a UCL tear. I'm worried that it was positive. The fact that he was ruled out immediately without an xray and doesn't even want to try to grip a football is concerning for a full-thickness (unstable) tear. Those require surgery. https://t.co/rxvde2hmGo
— DocFlynn (@DocFlynnNFL) September 15, 2019
To this point, the Saints have not provided an official update on Brees’ condition. Hopefully, he is able to return soon, but we will just have to wait and see if his thumb is seriously injured.
Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.