Saints vs. Buccaneers: Will Derek Carr Play This Sunday? Game Preview and Predictions

The New Orleans Saints are facing a pivotal moment in the 2024 NFL season as they prepare to take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. After three consecutive losses, the Saints are in desperate need of a win, but uncertainty surrounds their star quarterback, Derek Carr. Carr, who suffered an oblique injury in the Saints’ recent loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, is set for an MRI that will determine whether he can play in Sunday’s matchup. This game is critical not just for the Saints, but also for the Buccaneers, who are eager to capitalize on the situation. In this blog, we’ll explore Derek Carr’s injury status, how the Saints and Buccaneers match up, and the key factors to watch in Sunday’s game.

Derek Carr Injury Update: What We Know So Far

Derek Carr’s injury update has been at the forefront of NFL news this week. After taking a hard hit in the fourth quarter of the Saints’ 26-13 loss to the Chiefs, Carr was visibly in pain and had to leave the game. He later explained that the injury occurred during his throwing motion, not from the hit itself. The injury forced backup quarterback Jake Haener to take over for the remainder of the game. Carr’s status is still in question, with the Saints announcing that their star quarterback will undergo an MRI to assess the severity of the injury.

Carr has been dealing with multiple injuries this season, including a previous shoulder injury. Saints fans are understandably concerned about whether their quarterback will be able to return in time for the Buccaneers game. As of now, the team is hopeful but cautious. Carr’s performance in practice will be key, but his playing status may not be determined until shortly before Sunday’s game.

Derek Carr MRI: What It Means for the Saints

The results of Derek Carr’s MRI will likely dictate the Saints’ approach on Sunday. The quarterback has been dealing with an oblique injury, which can be tricky to recover from, especially for a player who relies on throwing power. If the MRI reveals significant damage, it could mean that Carr will miss not only Sunday’s game but potentially more of the season.

Oblique injuries are notoriously difficult to predict in terms of recovery time. While Carr has expressed a desire to play through the pain, the Saints medical staff will need to weigh the long-term implications. Playing with an injured oblique could exacerbate the injury and sideline Carr for an even longer period. If the MRI shows minimal damage, however, the Saints could opt to play Carr in a limited capacity, relying more on short passes and quick releases to reduce the strain on his body.

Saints vs. Buccaneers Game Preview: Key Matchups

The Saints vs. Buccaneers game this Sunday promises to be a crucial one for both teams. Both teams are currently tied at 2-3, and a win could provide a much-needed boost to their playoff hopes. With Derek Carr’s status still uncertain, the Saints might need to rely on backup quarterback Jake Haener, who struggled in his brief appearance against the Chiefs.

If Carr can’t play, the Saints will need to make some significant adjustments. The Buccaneers defense, led by veteran players such as linebacker Lavonte David and defensive lineman Vita Vea, has been formidable this season. In 2024, the Buccaneers defense has allowed just 19.2 points per game, making it a challenging unit to face without a full-strength offense.

For the Buccaneers, the key will be pressuring the quarterback, whether it’s Carr or Haener. The Saints offensive line has been inconsistent this season, allowing 13 sacks in five games. If the Buccaneers can apply constant pressure, it could force turnovers and provide opportunities for their offense, led by quarterback Baker Mayfield, to take control of the game.

Derek Carr’s Status vs. Buccaneers: Will He Play?

The million-dollar question remains: Will Derek Carr play against the Buccaneers on Sunday? As of now, the answer is unclear. Carr’s shoulder injury earlier in the season kept him out of one game, but he returned sooner than expected. However, oblique injuries are different, and Carr himself has expressed doubt about his ability to play through this particular ailment.

If Carr is unable to suit up, the Saints will turn to Jake Haener, who will be making his first career start. Haener has shown potential but is still inexperienced, and going up against a strong Buccaneers defense will be a tall order. Saints head coach Dennis Allen will need to design a game plan that minimizes Haener’s exposure to pressure, possibly relying more on the run game and quick passes to neutralize the Buccaneers pass rush.

Buccaneers Defense 2024: Can They Stop the Saints Without Carr?

The Buccaneers defense in 2024 has been one of the most consistent units in the league. They are currently ranked in the top 10 in both points allowed and total yards given up. Against a Saints offense that might be without Derek Carr, the Buccaneers will likely ramp up their defensive schemes to pressure the backup quarterback.

One key aspect of the Buccaneers’ success has been their ability to force turnovers. They’ve already notched 11 takeaways this season, and if they can apply enough pressure on the Saints, they could add to that total on Sunday. Lavonte David’s leadership on defense, combined with the pass-rushing prowess of Shaquil Barrett and Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, will make things tough for the Saints’ offense, especially if Carr isn’t 100%.

NFL Quarterback Injuries 2024: A Growing Trend

Derek Carr’s oblique injury is just one of many quarterback injuries that have plagued the 2024 NFL season. Other notable quarterbacks, including Joe Burrow and Kyler Murray, have also dealt with injuries this season, which raises questions about the increasing physical toll on quarterbacks in the league.

The 2024 NFL season has seen an uptick in quarterback injuries, particularly as defenses become faster and more aggressive. While rule changes have been implemented to protect quarterbacks, the physical nature of the game still leads to injuries, especially in high-pressure situations. Teams with injured quarterbacks often struggle to maintain offensive consistency, as the Saints have experienced with Carr’s various ailments this season.

Predictions for Sunday: What to Expect

As the Saints and Buccaneers prepare for their Week 6 clash, much of the outcome will depend on Derek Carr’s MRI results. If Carr is able to play, the Saints will have a better chance of moving the ball downfield, even against a tough Buccaneers defense. However, if Jake Haener is under center, the Saints may struggle to keep up with Tampa Bay’s relentless pass rush.

For the Buccaneers, the game plan is clear: Pressure the quarterback and force turnovers. If they can do that, they will likely leave New Orleans with a victory and improve their chances of contending in the NFC South.

In conclusion, the Saints vs. Buccaneers game on Sunday will hinge heavily on the health of Derek Carr. The results of his MRI will not only impact this game but could also define the Saints’ season. Whether Carr plays or not, both teams will need to bring their best to secure a much-needed win. Be sure to follow updates on Carr’s status and more NFL news through trusted outlets like NBC Sports.

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