The Derek Carr saga has taken another dramatic turn, as new details from NFL Network Insider Jane Slater shed light on a potentially significant injury to the New Orleans Saints quarterback. According to Slater, Carr may have injured his throwing shoulder back in Week 14 against the New York Giants—an ailment that could threaten his availability for the 2025 season.
Piecing Together the Timeline
Per Slater’s post on X (formerly Twitter), Carr has visited the Saints’ facility twice in recent weeks to consult with team doctors. The quarterback now believes that he injured his throwing shoulder during the same game in which he suffered a left wrist injury—a contest that was initially viewed as minor in terms of long-term impact.
The reason why this injury has only now come to light is that Carr reportedly didn’t begin meaningfully throwing until this spring. With the Saints having been eliminated from playoff contention late last season, Carr, along with other veterans, was shut down, which prevented him from fully testing his arm until the offseason workout period began.
Few updates from the Insiders today on the #Saints and the Derek Carr situation according to a person with knowledge of the situation.
1) Carr HAS been to New Orleans twice in recent weeks to meet with the team doctor at the facility
2) He believes he injured his throwing…— Jane Slater (@SlaterNFL) May 6, 2025
Avoiding Surgery — For Now
One of the more critical details revealed by Slater is Carr’s reluctance to immediately pursue surgery. While no final decision has been made, the 34-year-old quarterback is reportedly hesitant to undergo another procedure on an arm that has already endured surgery in the past. That said, both Carr and the Saints are still weighing their options, and a resolution is expected “sooner rather than later.”
This development raises immediate questions about the Saints’ quarterback situation heading into OTAs and training camp. If Carr were to miss time—or worse, require surgery that sidelines him for a large portion of the season—it could leave New Orleans in a precarious position.
The Saints’ Dilemma
For head coach Kellen Moore, the offseason has already featured massive change: a revamped coaching staff, a cap-clearing flurry of restructures, and a defensive-heavy draft. But quarterback stability remains the elephant in the room. Carr’s uncertain status now looms large over a franchise trying to turn the page after a disappointing 5–12 season.
The Saints selected Tyler Shough in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft, but it’s widely believed that the former Louisville quarterback was a developmental prospect rather than a plug-and-play starter. Spencer Rattler also remains in the mix, but both quarterbacks would face steep learning curves if forced into action early.
What Comes Next?
While it remains unclear what the final diagnosis or treatment plan will be for Carr’s shoulder, Slater’s report confirms that a decision is imminent. Whether that means surgery, rehab, or a revamped QB depth chart remains to be seen.
In the meantime, the Saints and their fans are left to wait again.
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