Derek Carr will return to the practice field this week with an opportunity to suit up for a winnable game against a division foe.
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According to New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen, there is a chance Carr could lead the offense this week after recovering from an oblique injury.
"Derek Carr had a throwing session again today, looked good in a throwing session," Allen told media members on Monday afternoon. "I would expect him to be back at practice on Wednesday and then we will go from there and see what his availability is for this week.
"But I'm optimistic about it."
Carr sustained the injury with 9:32 remaining in a Week 5 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. He had thrown two touchdown passes before exiting the game. Jake Haener replaced him to finish out the 13-26 loss.
Carr told media members after the game that the oblique injury prevented him from throwing the ball effectively.
The Saints turned to rookie Spencer Rattler as the starter in Weeks 6-8. The former South Carolina quarterback threw for one touchdown and two interceptions as the Saints went 0-3 against the Buccaneers, Broncos, and Chargers.
"Young, developmental quarterback that I'm encouraged and excited about," Allen said about Rattler. "But (he's) not quite there yet. He needs a little more time in the oven. A little more time to grow, a little more time to develop."
Now 2-6, the Saints enter Week 9 third in the NFC South. They face the Carolina Panthers, a team they beat 47-10 in the opening week of the season.
Carr was effective in this game as he threw for 200 yards and three touchdowns. He only had four incompletions while connecting with Juwan Johnson, Rashid Shaheed, Alvin Kamara, and Foster Moreau multiple times.
The veteran quarterback has appeared in five games this season while working with new offensive coordinator Clint Kubiak. He has completed 70.3% of his throws for 989 yards, eight touchdowns, and four interceptions.
