Derek Carr DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (oblique) was on a pitch count during Wednesday's practice but is still expected to start on Sunday according to Matthew Paras of The Times-Picayune. Carr has been sidelined since suffering the oblique injury in their Week 5 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. In his absence, the Saints turned to rookie Spencer Rattler who averaged 190.3 passing yards and per game and was pulled in his most recent start. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor Carr's status throughout the week. If he is able to return to action, he should be viewed as a QB2 with upside facing the Carolina Panthers who have allowed the 28th-most points to opposing QBs this season.

New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (oblique) will practice on Wednesday in preparation for the team's Week 9 matchup, per Katherine Terrell of ESPN. Additionally, head coach Dennis Allen is "optimistic" he'll play on Sunday when the team lines up against the Carolina Panthers on the road. It's fantastic news for New Orleans, which has been without their starting quarterback since the team's loss in Week 5 to the Kansas City Chiefs. The Saints are reeling after their sixth-straight defeat, and while it isn't yet confirmed, Carr's activation would be a massive boost to the offense's outlook. If he does return in Week 9, he'll get a juicy matchup against a tissue-paper-soft Panthers defense. Keep an eye on his status over the coming days.

New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (oblique) hasn't been able to practice this week and is considered doubtful ahead of the Week 8 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers. Carr is set to miss his third game in a row due to a lingering oblique injury. Spencer Rattler could continue starting under center, but won't have an easy test against a strong Chargers secondary. It sounds like Carr is making progress, so maybe a Week 9 return is possible. The 33-year-old should give this offense a boost once he's eventually able to get back on the field. Fantasy managers should prepare to be without Carr for at least one more game.

New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (oblique) was not seen at Saints' practice on Thursday for the second straight day this week. The Saints already announced this week that rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler will make his third straight start this Sunday against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 8. Carr resumed throwing earlier this week, but he's not recovered enough from a left-oblique strain to take part in team practices. It remains to be seen if he can make enough progress next week in practice to make his return for a Week 9 date with the division-rival Carolina Panthers. Since Carr's injury, the Saints' offense has tanked under Rattler, although injuries to receivers Chris Olave (concussion) and Rashid Shaheed (knee) haven't helped. Rattler and the Saints' offense could have a tough time moving the ball once again this Sunday against a strong Chargers defense.

New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (oblique) did not participate in Wednesday's practice. The 33-year-old has been sidelined since Week 5 and is expected to miss his third consecutive game this Sunday against the Los Angeles Chargers, according to head coach Dennis Allen. Specifically, Allen noted that Carr has resumed throwing, which is a step in the right direction, but he expects Spencer Rattler (hip) to get at least one more start in Week 8. The Saints' offensive production has declined with Rattler under center, and fantasy managers invested in players like Alvin Kamara (hand, rib) or Chris Olave (concussion) are anxiously awaiting Carr's return.