METAIRE, La. – Drew Brees can now train, but Sean Payton, coach of the New Orleans Saints, said the quarterback “still has a long way to go” in his recovery from the 11 broken ribs and lung damage he suffered.
“We haven’t ruled anything out just because we don’t have to,” Payton said when asked whether Brees could play the Kansas City Chiefs. “(Drew) still has a long way to go and he’s a guy we’re not going to risk by rushing his return.
“The severity of the injuries is of such magnitude that you have to make sure that you can function well and feel confident,” he added.
Payton’s opinion matches what league sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter, noting that the Saints would not rush Brees’ return in Week 15 unless he was fully recovered, could pitch without limitations and had range. full of motion.
Either way, Brees suggested last Sunday in his weekly appearance for Cox Sports Television that his return is closer.
“Every week I feel better. Obviously I have a plan ready with the points that I must follow to get to where I want to go to play and do it effectively for this team. All I can say is that I’m close.
“There is an element to recovery, an element of physical strength and I will know when that happens,” he added.
The official appointment to return from injured reserve is a positive sign in Brees’ recovery. It means he can train with the Saints again and a three-week window begins for the team to rejoin him to the roster of 53 active players.
Brees has lost four games, with backup Taysom Hill going 3-1 in his place. Hill’s loss came Sunday in Philadelphia and put the Saints (10-3) behind the Green Bay Packers (10-3) in the fight for the first seed in the NFC by tiebreaker in direct games.
The Saints will have two games in six days next week. They are scheduled to receive a visit from the Minnesota Vikings at Christmas.
ESPN’s Adam Teicher contributed to this report.
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