Saints Quarterback Derek Carr’s Shoulder Injury Puts 2025 Season in Doubt

 New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr is facing yet another setback, as reports emerged Friday confirming a shoulder injury that could threaten his availability for the 2025 NFL season.

Carr, who has been battling multiple injuries over the past year, is now in question for the team’s offseason training program, which begins Monday under new head coach Kellen Moore. The development casts a shadow over the Saints’ preparations for the upcoming season.

The veteran quarterback has not seen action since Week 14 of the 2024 campaign after suffering multiple fractures in his non-throwing hand during a matchup against the New York Giants. He missed seven games last season due to both hand and oblique issues. In his absence, the Saints rotated between rookie Spencer Rattler and backup Jake Haener.

This isn’t Carr’s first brush with shoulder trouble — he previously sprained his AC joint in 2023 but played through it without missing a game. The current shoulder concern, however, appears to be more serious.

Carr, 33, signed with the Saints in 2023 and has two years remaining on his current contract. Although he reportedly showed interest in exploring free agency earlier this offseason, New Orleans opted to restructure his deal, effectively keeping him on the roster through 2025.

With the ninth overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft and around $27 million in available cap space, the Saints could consider adding another quarterback to their roster. As it stands, they currently have Carr, Haener, Rattler, and Ben DiNucci under contract.

As more updates surface regarding Carr’s condition, the Saints’ quarterback situation remains fluid heading into a crucial offseason.