Derek Carr's shoulder injury puts his season at risk
- Derek Carr's shoulder injury may require surgery, jeopardizing his availability for the upcoming season.
- The Saints are evaluating their options for quarterbacks in light of Carr's health status as the NFL Draft approaches.
- A poor 2024 season and coaching changes compound Carr's challenges, indicating a possible overhaul in team strategy.
In April 2025, the New Orleans Saints are facing uncertainty regarding their starting quarterback, Derek Carr, who has sustained a significant shoulder injury. Carr, who joined the Saints in the lead up to the 2024 season after a long stint with the Las Vegas Raiders, may be sidelined for the remainder of the season due to this new health concern. Reports indicate that the severity of the injury could result in surgical intervention, posing a challenge for the Saints as they prepare for the NFL Draft later this month. This injury follows a tumultuous previous season for Carr, during which he missed seven games due to a concussion and a hand fracture. After the Saints finished with a disappointing 5-12 record in the 2024 season, the organization fired head coach Dennis Allen mid-season and brought in Kellen Moore as the new head coach. There are speculations on how this transition might affect Carr's performance or recovery, especially with deteriorating outcomes and management struggles witnessed last year. As Carr, who is now 34 years old, contemplates his future, the Saints may find themselves needing to explore quarterback options in the upcoming draft. The ninth overall pick could be pivotal for the team as they consider talents such as Jaxson Dart from Ole Miss or possibly Shedeur Sanders if he falls in the draft. The stakes are high for the Saints, and their decision will be influenced by Carr’s recovery timeline and potential return capabilities. Meanwhile, in Major League Baseball, the Los Angeles Angels also reported issues with injuries as their right-handed reliever, Ben Joyce, was placed on the 15-day injured list due to shoulder inflammation. Joyce's injury is expected to impact the pitching lineup, reflecting a wider trend of health challenges across professional sports that significantly affect team dynamics and planning. The timing of both injuries raises the need for strategic adjustments in the Saints and Angels' approaches as they navigate their respective seasons.