Speaking to reporters on Thursday, New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton said that there's a "good chance" Drew Brees plays on Sunday vs. the Carolina Panthers.
Drew Brees has a ‘good chance’ of playing Sunday for Saints, fantasy owners
Head coach Sean Payton made a bold declaration to reporters on Sunday regarding his quarterback’s availability. We break down the fantasy implications.
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Brees took an ugly hit vs. the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Sunday's loss and was ineffective for most of the game. The veteran signal caller has been dealing with a rotator cuff injury, although the severity of it is unknown at this time. Brees reportedly did not throw at practice on Wednesday and ambiguity surrounded his status earlier in the week, but Payton's declaration is the most concrete evidence that has surfaced to this point.
Fantasy impact: Even if Brees suits up on Sunday, fantasy owners have to at least have a contingency plan considered. Brees was dismal during Sunday’s loss at less than 100 percent, and things won’t get easier on the road versus the Panthers defense. Because it’s a divisional game, expect the odds for Brees playing to be greater than not, but fantasy owners shouldn’t be so quick to pen him into lineups for Week 3.
It would benefit the Saints to give the Panthers a heavy dose of Mark Ingram this week, putting him firmly in the RB1 conversation. Brandin Cooks, Marques Colston and Brandon Coleman should be downgraded as long as Brees isn't his usual self. At best, Brees is a fringe QB1/QB2 for Week 3.
