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The New Orleans Saints are returning from their bye this week and will visit the Atlanta Falcons for their Week 12 matchup this Sunday. Starting quarterback Derek Carr suffered a concussion during 27-19 loss to the Minnesota Vikings a few weeks ago and he won’t be able to return to the field until he clears concussion protocol.
Derek Carr injury updates
Friday update: Carr is good to go for Sunday’s game against Atlanta.
Thursday update: Carr has cleared the NFL’s concussion protocol.
Thursday update: Carr was taken off the team’s injury report on Thursday. It hasn’t been officially announced that he has cleared concussion protocols, but he seems well on his way.
Wednesday update: Carr remains in the league’s concussion protocol, but was a full practice participant on Wednesday, per head coach Dennis Allen. This is an important step for the quarterback to clear the protocols, especially how he feels tomorrow.
Monday PM update: Saints head coach Dennis Allen shared with the media on Monday that Carr is still in concussion protocol ahead of Sunday’s game against the Falcons. For him to pass protocol and return to the field, he’ll need to be cleared by both a team doctor and an independent neurologist.
Fantasy football analysis
If Carr is unable to clear protocol in time for Sunday’s game, then backup Jameis Winston will get the start. The former No. 1 overall pick went 13-25 for 122 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions when taking over for Carr against the Vikings. As is always the case for fantasy managers with Winston on their roster, there is a high reward/high risk element considering the number of turnovers he’s. bound to commit.
On the receiving front, you can still expect Chris Olave to be a reliable target regardless of who’s throwing to him.
Betting analysis
New Orleans is a slight one-point favorite even with Carr’s status ip in the air. If Carr does get cleared, I’d expect that line to go up and I’d suggest grabbing it now if you like the Saints to win regardless of QB.