Derek Carr’s Shoulder Saga: Surgery Looming, Uncertainty Clouds Saints’ Future

The NFL offseason dust has largely settled, but a lingering cloud hangs over the New Orleans Saints, specifically concerning the health and future of their quarterback, Derek Carr. A shoulder injury, seemingly emerging from the shadows, has thrown Carr’s availability for the 2025 season into doubt, sparking a whirlwind of speculation and conjecture.

The situation surrounding Carr’s injury has been anything but straightforward. Initial reports triggered a wave of opinions, ranging from genuine concern for Carr’s well-being to cynical accusations of the quarterback feigning the injury to engineer an exit from New Orleans. The conflicting narratives painted a confusing picture, leaving fans and analysts alike struggling to discern the truth.

Carr himself addressed the rumors publicly, appearing at a church to vehemently deny any deception. "Yes, I hate I have to say this, yes, I have a shoulder injury," Carr stated, directly refuting claims made by ESPN and a podcaster. "Okay? I have the MRI report to prove it. The team knows about it. We’ve been in constant communication. There’s nothing wrong, and we’re going to go forward with that. Is that okay?" His forceful denial underscored the frustration and irritation caused by the swirling rumors.

However, the situation has continued to evolve, with new details emerging to shed further light on the complexities of Carr’s injury. NFL Network’s Jane Slater provided a crucial update, reporting that Carr is now contemplating surgery to address the shoulder issue. A decision on whether or not to proceed with the operation is expected imminently.

According to Slater, Carr believes the shoulder injury stems from the same game in Week 14 against the New York Giants where he sustained a wrist injury. The connection between the two injuries adds another layer to the story, suggesting a potential domino effect of physical setbacks.

Slater further elaborated that Carr visited the Saints facility, and the quarterback only became aware of the injury upon intensifying his throwing regimen this spring. This timeline suggests that the injury may have been initially masked or dismissed, only to manifest as a more significant issue during more strenuous activity. Intriguingly, Slater pointed out that Carr had been limited to throwing a fake football in walkthroughs alongside injured teammates and Alvin Kamara, as the Saints’ playoff aspirations had faded before Carr could push for a return. This detail highlights the cautious approach taken by the Saints, prioritizing Carr’s long-term health over a potentially futile attempt to salvage a struggling season.

Reportedly, Carr is hesitant to undergo surgery, given his previous experience with surgery on the same arm. The prospect of another invasive procedure, with its associated risks and recovery period, is understandably daunting. It seems Carr is inclined to explore non-surgical options first, hoping to manage the injury and play through the discomfort.

The Saints organization is navigating this situation with careful consideration, seeking a resolution that benefits both the team and the quarterback. The team’s new coaching staff, led by Kellen Moore, is undoubtedly factoring Carr’s health into their plans for the upcoming season.

Adding another layer of intrigue to the situation, the Saints selected Tyler Shough, a quarterback from Louisville, in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft. This move signals a strategic contingency plan in case Carr is unable to play, particularly next season.

Shough’s arrival provides Moore with options. If Carr remains sidelined, Shough is expected to step into the starting role. However, if Carr is healthy enough to play, Moore could leverage his talent and experience to elevate the Saints’ offense. The presence of a promising young quarterback creates a dynamic competition and provides the Saints with valuable insurance in a precarious situation.

The uncertainty surrounding Carr’s shoulder injury extends beyond his individual health and directly impacts the Saints’ strategic outlook. The team’s performance hinges significantly on the quarterback position, and Carr’s absence would undoubtedly necessitate adjustments to the offensive scheme.

The arrival of Kellen Moore as the offensive coordinator injects fresh energy and innovative ideas into the Saints’ playbook. Moore’s reputation for creative play-calling and quarterback development suggests a potentially dynamic partnership with Carr, provided he is healthy. Moore’s expertise could unlock new facets of Carr’s game, maximizing his strengths and mitigating his weaknesses. The potential synergy between Moore and Carr holds the key to the Saints’ offensive success.

The Saints’ decision to draft Tyler Shough underscores their commitment to long-term stability at the quarterback position. Even if Carr recovers fully and returns to form, having a young, talented backup waiting in the wings ensures that the Saints are prepared for any eventuality. Shough’s development under Moore’s guidance could transform him into a future starter, providing the Saints with a valuable asset for years to come.

Ultimately, the resolution of Carr’s shoulder injury will have a profound impact on the Saints’ trajectory. A healthy and productive Carr could propel the Saints back into playoff contention, while a prolonged absence could necessitate a shift in focus towards developing Shough and building for the future. The coming weeks will be critical in determining Carr’s fate and the Saints’ direction. The franchise’s aspirations hang in the balance, dependent on the healing of a shoulder and the decisions made by a quarterback, a coaching staff, and an organization seeking clarity amidst uncertainty.