The New Orleans Saints got more than what was expected from Luke McCown, who filled in for Drew Brees during Sunday's 27-22 loss to the Carolina Panthers.
Drew Brees preparing to play Week 4, fantasy status still unclear
The Saints’ veteran quarterback is champing at the bit to get healthy in time for the team’s next game, but his status is anything but clear. We break down the fantasy implications.
Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
But even with McCown's fine performance, Brees is undoubtedly the preferred option, and during an interview with Cox Sports TV, the franchise signal caller said that he is planning to play on Sunday vs. the Dallas Cowboys. It remains to be seen whether the team agrees to let that happen, as NFL Network's Ian Rapoport had previously reported that Brees would be a "long shot" to suit up that soon in the wake of a rotator cuff injury.
Fantasy impact: It’s important to make the distinction that while Brees says he will prepare to play on Sunday, that this would be the mindset of any player who hasn’t been ruled out of action. Being “not ruled out” on Monday doesn’t mean that he will definitely play, either. It’s still very much up in the air whether Brees will be well enough to start, and fantasy owners should have the mindset that he won’t until more promising news emerges.
A healthy Brees would warrant fringe QB1/QB2 consideration vs. the Cowboys, but McCown isn’t more than a low-end QB2. The week leading up to Sunday will be another long one for Brees’ owners, who will have to remain glued to practice reports.
