Saints QB Derek Carr is questionable after clearing concussion protocol but feels ready play Sunday vs. Carolina: ‘I’m doing great, that’s for sure’

The New Orleans Saints announced that quarterback Derek Carr has cleared concussion protocol but will be listed as questionable against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday.

Carr was placed into concussion protocol in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s game against the Detroit after a hit from Lions defensive lineman Bruce Irvin. 

‘I have felt better, but I’m doing great, that’s for sure,’ Carr said in a team pool report on Friday. 

Sunday was Carr’s second trip to concussion protocol this season. On November 12, Carr suffered a concussion against the Minnesota Vikings which saw him carted off the field. The bye week that followed allowed Carr to recover and play in their next game against the Atlanta Falcons. 

Carr is yet to miss a game despite exiting three with injuries. Additionally, Carr was admittedly not concerned about consecutive concussions in a three-week span. 

Carr was forced out of the Saints’ game against the Detroit Lions after a hit from Bruce Irvin

Carr insists he is ready to play despite suffering two consecutive concussions in three weeks 

‘Our doctors and the non-affiliated doctor said everything was perfect,’ Carr said. ‘They showed me the results in comparison to things. I do not have any worries on that stuff.

‘It didn’t feel like the two were even related to one another. So for me, that’s just sometimes the price of doing business and playing football. So no concern on that part, long-term or short-term.’

Carr’s shoulder injury from Week 3 and an additional rib injury were both listed on this week’s injury report.

Joining Carr in the list of questionable players are quarterback Taysom Hill with a foot and hand injury, and wide receiver Rashid Shaheed who is dealing with a thigh complication. Wide receiver Chris Olave has been absent for two practices with the flu. 

Carr expressed his readiness to play against the Panthers on Sunday as the Saints look to break a three-game losing streak. New Orleans currently holds a 5-7 record and sit second in the NFC South. 

‘Everyone has got a broken something, dealing with this or dealing with that,’ Carr said. ‘I got my treatment, I did my protocol stuff, but also, most importantly, made sure I did everything I need to do to accomplish my job.’