Brees completed 30 of 39 passes for 312 yards and a touchdown in Thursday's 31-21 win over the Falcons.

EDGE Analysis

The Saints offense was quiet in the first half after a touchdown on the opening drive, but Brees and TE Ben Watson dominated the second half, making up for a running game that didn't do much besides poach two touchdowns. Though he's yet to throw for more than two scores in any game this season, Brees has topped 310 passing yards in four of his five appearances, showing that his weekly floor is among the highest at his position. He should have another busy game in Week 7 in Indianapolis.

Brees completed 26-of-43 passes for 335 yards and two touchdowns Sunday against the Eagles, but he also threw one interception and fumbled twice.

EDGE Analysis

Brees connected with eight different receivers, throwing his touchdowns to Brandin Cooks and Benjamin Watson, while Willie Snead led the team with 141 receiving yards. Brees was under pressure all game long, as he was sacked five times for a loss of 43 yards, and a majority of his stats came in garbage time, as Philly led 26-10 heading into the fourth quarter. His shoulder didn't seem to be much of an issue, as he attempted a number of longer throws, and with the way the Saints' offensive line is playing, Brees could be leading a number of comeback attempts this season, which will only increase his passes.

Brees wasn't listed on the Saints' injury report Wednesday, Mike Triplett of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

According to Brees, he was able to make all throws in practice, which reflects his performance against the Cowboys on Sunday night. In Week 5, he'll look for his third 300-yard outing of 2015 against an Eagles defense that has surrendered 284.8 yards per game and six passing touchdowns to quarterbacks this season.

Brees (shoulder) completed 33 of 41 passes for 359 yards and two touchdowns in Sunday's 26-20 overtime win over the Cowboys.

EDGE Analysis

The Saints didn't have an offensive play longer than 21 yards until the game's final minute, when Brees found Brandon Coleman for 31 yards to set up the potential game-winning field goal for Zach Hocker, who then missed a chip-shot kick. It couldn't have worked out better for Brees' owners, as the Saints quarterback connected with C.J. Spiller on a wheel route for an 80-yard, walk-off touchdown on the second snap of overtime. Brees thus finished with easily his best stat line of the season, despite settling for short gains until the last few plays. He was mostly accurate, but he did luck out on a pair of dropped interceptions from ill-advised throws. Brees' shoulder didn't appear to be an issue, and while the lack of deep passes might have been related to his injury, it probably had more to do with the Saints' offensive personnel. Brees has a Week 5 road matchup with the Eagles.

Brees (shoulder) is active for Sunday's game against the Cowboys, Larry Holder of the NOLA.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

As expected, Brees will return from a one-game absence to face a Dallas defense that was shredded by the Falcons in Week 3. The New Orleans offense is off to a slow start, but the unit did play pretty well with Josh McCown under center in last week's 27-22 loss to the Panthers. Though he may still have a bit of soreness bothering him, Brees has reportedly made excellent progress since last week.

Brees (shoulder) is listed as probable for Sunday's game against the Cowboys, ESPN's reports.

EDGE Analysis

Bres was limited in practice all week, but both he and head coach Sean Payton have essentially said that the quarterback will play. Although he's likely still dealing with some pain and may not have his usual arm strength, Brees should enjoy his matchup with a Dallas defense that was pummeled by the Falcons last week. To be fair, the Dallas defense was previously off to a nice start, and the New Orleans offense has thus far been mediocre.

Saints head coach Sean Payton said Friday afternoon that he plans to start Brees on Sunday against the Cowboys, NFL Network's Rand Getlin reports.

EDGE Analysis

Brees expressed similar confidence Thursday, saying that nothing could keep him off the field for Sunday's game. His bruised rotator cuff is presumably still sore, and he may not have his typical arm strength, but it sounds like he'll at least give it a go. Brees' official status for Sunday should be available shortly.

Brees (shoulder) expressed confidence Thursday that he'll be able to take the field Sunday against the Cowboys, Mike Triplett of ESPN.com reports. On Wednesday evening, Brees said, "I'm very confident I will be able to...we'll see how it progresses. But there's not anything that's gonna keep me off the field on Sunday."

EDGE Analysis

Brees' comments should be taken with a grain of salt, as they occurred during a taping of Ellen Degeneres' talk show. However, the quarterback has turned in limited practice showings both Wednesday and Thursday, which indicates progress from the bruised rotator cuff that sidelined him in Week 3. His listing on Friday's injury report will be particularly telling in his quest to return.

Brees (shoulder) was limited in practice Wednesday, the Saints' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Despite his contention that he took most of the reps, according to Larry Holder of the New Orleans Times-Picayune, it wasn't enough to equate to a full practice. On a positive note, Brees has built up his workload to the point that a return Sunday against the Cowboys isn't out of the question.

Brees (shoulder) took most of the reps in Wednesday's practice, Larry Holder of the New Orleans Times-Picayune reports. Afterward, Brees said, "I'll see how the shoulder responds tomorrow and the rest of the day, but each day I'm able to do more."

EDGE Analysis

On Friday, Brees was unable to throw with his usual effectiveness, resulting in inactive status Sunday at Carolina. However, Tuesday's throwing session went well, which he followed up with significant practice showing Wednesday. Since he appears to be improving by the day, Brees could miss just one game as a result of a bruised rotator cuff.