New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees is dealing with multiple rib fractures on both sides of his chest and a collapsed lung, ESPN reported Monday.
The “optimistic” estimate for Brees’ return is three weeks.
The 41-year-old veteran sustained the assorted injuries over the last two weeks and has been advised to be cautious with the collapsed lung, meaning he could potentially be sidelined for an extended period.
According to the report, Brees suffered two fractured ribs on his left side Sunday after taking a big hit just before halftime from San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle Kentavius Street. Brees did not play in the second half as Jameis Winston took over and the Saints pulled away for their sixth straight win, 27-13.
Monday’s examination also reportedly revealed three broken ribs on the right side, an injury that apparently occurred during the Week 9 win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Saints play the Kansas City Chiefs on Dec. 20 and have a Christmas Day game against the Minnesota Vikings. The Week 17 regular-season finale for New Orleans is Jan. 3 at Carolina.
Brees finished 8-of-13 passing for 76 yards and a touchdown on Sunday. He has completed a league-best 73.5 percent of his passes for 2,196 yards with 18 touchdowns against three interceptions this season. He has thrown for 79,612 yards and 565 TDs for his career.
New Orleans (7-2) hosts the Atlanta Falcons (3-6) this Sunday.
Winston completed 6 of 10 passes for 63 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions against the 49ers. It was the former No. 1 overall draft pick’s second appearance with the Saints since signing a one-year deal in the offseason.
Winston was 28-42 in five seasons as the starter in Tampa Bay (2015-19). He led the NFL in passing yards (5,109) and interceptions (30) last season.
