New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees was present at practice on Wednesday and may be a game-time decision this Sunday, head coach Sean Payton said.
Brees threw during practice with his surgically repaired right thumb, and things appear to have gone well. Asked if he was planning to play this week against the visiting Arizona Cardinals, Brees told reporters, “That’s the plan.”
Payton was less definitive, saying he may wait until Sunday to make a decision. He added that Brees will start “if he’s ready to play.”
Brees has not played since Sept. 15, when he sustained an injury to the thumb on his throwing hand in a game against the Los Angeles Rams.
The NFL’s all-time leader in passing yards underwent surgery on the thumb and initially faced a 6-to-8 week recovery, but said that he thought he could return sooner than expected.
Teddy Bridgewater has led the Saints to a 5-0 record as their starter, completing 132 of 195 passes for 1,370 yards, throwing nine touchdowns and two interceptions. Brees went 35-of-48 passing for 408 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions in two games before the injury.
Meanwhile, running back Alvin Kamara remained absent at Wednesday’s practice due to ankle and knee injuries that kept him out of Sunday’s game against the Chicago Bears. The Saints released running back Zach Zenner — signed last week for depth — on Tuesday, creating hope Kamara could be near a return.
Also missing practice were tight end Jared Cook and wideout Tre’Quan Smith, both with ankle issues.
New Orleans (6-1) hosts the Cardinals (3-3-1) early Sunday afternoon.
