Many were optimistic about the New Orleans Saints‘ prospects this season, as they were favored by plenty to finish first in the NFC South.
While they do currently hold first place in the division, they do so with just a 5-5 record after a 27-19 loss to the short-handed Minnesota Vikings on Sunday.
Now, the Saints are banged up themselves.
Quarterback Derek Carr had to leave in the third quarter with a shoulder injury and concussion, while wide receiver Michael Thomas and cornerback Marshon Lattimore also sustained injuries during the contest.
Per Ari Meirov, head coach Dennis Allen said the injuries Thomas and Lattimore suffered aren’t season-ending ailments.
#Saints WR Michael Thomas (knee) and CB Marshon Lattimore (ankle) suffered “fairly significant” injuries on Sunday, but they are not season-ending, according to HC Dennis Allen.
New Orleans has a bye in Week 11. pic.twitter.com/Z4fSHrK0Uu
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) November 13, 2023
Early on, it was clear it wouldn’t be New Orleans’ day, as Minnesota blasted off to a 24-3 lead in the first quarter as quarterback Joshua Dobbs, who is filling in for the injured Kirk Cousins, masterfully orchestrated Minnesota’s offense.
Dobbs finished an incredible 23 of 34, and although backup QB Jameis Winston threw two touchdown passes after replacing the injured Carr, the Saints ran out of time, especially after Winston threw an interception with just under two minutes left in the fourth quarter.
Thomas has 448 yards so far this season in 10 games, but he has been plagued by injuries the last few years, and he hasn’t played a full season since 2019 when he led the NFL in receiving yards and was named to both the Pro Bowl and All-Pro First Team.
Luckily, New Orleans has their bye this week, which will allow them to tend to their injuries before they visit the Atlanta Falcons on November 26.
NEXT: Dennis Allen Names Saints' Biggest Weakness Ahead Of Vikings Game
