Brees (thumb) plans to practice this week and hopes to return for a Week 8 game against the Cardinals, Mike Triplett of ESPN.com reports. "We'll see how it goes," Brees said Sunday. "I'd love to [play]. It's a goal."

EDGE Analysis

Coach Sean Payton declined to discuss a timeline when he spoke to the media after Sunday's 36-25 win over the Bears, but he did refute a report that suggested the Saints might activate Brees to serve as their backup quarterback in his first week back from the thumb injury. "If he's healthy, you play him," Payton said. "I'll fill you guys in day by day. We're not targeting. ... We're gonna see how he's doing. And we'll give you the news when we feel like we're ready to."

Brees revealed in a radio interview Thursday that he'll need to wear a brace on his surgically repaired right thumb once he's cleared to play again, Jeff Nowak of The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports. "That's doctor's orders," Brees said.

EDGE Analysis

Sidelined since injuring his thumb in the Saints' Week 2 loss to the Rams, Brees indicated earlier this week that he's resumed throwing a regulation football, though he has yet to be cleared for practice participation of any kind. While Brees probably won't need much practice time to gear up for game action once doctors clear him to play, wearing the brace on his hand may require an adjustment period. Brees hasn't ruled himself out from playing in Week 8 against the Cardinals, though the Saints' Week 9 bye makes a Nov. 10 return against the Falcons more realistic.

Brees (thumb) said in an interview Monday that he is throwing a regulation football and believes his rehab is ahead of schedule, Jeff Duncan of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Brees initially believed he could cut his initial six-week timeline to just five weeks, which would have him sidelined for Sunday's game against the Bears but returning the following game against the Cardinals. That appears to be a reasonable goal since he's throwing the football, but even the veteran quarterback admitted "his expectations are a bit aggressive." Teddy Bridgewater will remain the placeholder until Brees gets the all clear.

Brees (thumb) said in a radio interview Wednesday that his rehab is going as planned and noted he hopes to be throwing an NFL ball "sooner rather than later," Jeff Duncan of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Since undergoing surgery on his right thumb Sept. 18, Brees has been able to do some light gripping of the ball, but his ability to throw effectively and without any discomfort will provide a better gauge of where he stands in the recovery process. Following his procedure, Brees was handed a six-week timeline to return, though the quarterback has expressed optimism he'll be able to make it back in five weeks. If Brees meets his goal, Teddy Bridgewater would only have two more games left as the Saints' starting quarterback.

Brees said Sunday that he's making progress in his recovery from right thumb surgery and has been able to lightly grip a football in recent days, Ed Werder of ESPN reports.

EDGE Analysis

While the Saints should be encouraged that Brees has reported no complications 11 days following surgery, he still has multiple hurdles to clear in the recovery process before his return to action can be considered imminent. Specifically, New Orleans wants to ensure he can grip the ball firmly, throw accurately and protect the ball when hit by defenders before the team is comfortable bringing him back from the injury. With Brees' absence expected to linger for multiple weeks, Teddy Bridgewater will continue to shepherd the Saints offense.

Brees (thumb) told WWL New Orleans that his timeline for a return is "six weeks or so," but he believes he "can beat that," Jeff Duncan of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Brees got two opinions before undergoing surgery on the torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right hand last Wednesday. In the process, an internal brace was inserted to potentially speed up his recovery, hence the reason for his optimism. Further aiding in Brees' thought process is the experience of Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout, who had a similar procedure in 2017 and thought he could have returned after five weeks. Trout ultimately resumed playing a little more than six weeks after surgery, and he felt pain-free and had full range of motion when he did so. If Brees follows the expected timetable, he'll miss six games and be available again following the Saints' Week 9 bye on Nov. 10 versus the Falcons.

Though Brees is expected to face a six-week recovery timeline after undergoing right thumb surgery Wednesday, the quarterback maintains hope that he might be able to return in five weeks, Chris Mortensen and Adam Schefter of ESPN report.

EDGE Analysis

Brees' optimism regarding his timeline apparently stems from a conversation he had earlier this week with Los Angeles Angels star outfielder Mike Trout, who underwent a similar procedure on his left thumb in 2017. According to the report, Trout -- who missed just over six weeks following surgery -- told Brees that he could have returned after five weeks and felt pain-free and had full range of motion once he ultimately resumed playing. Trout's positive reports regarding his own recovery don't necessarily mean that Brees' experience will be the same, but the Saints are at least leaving the door open for the quarterback to beat the six-week timeline, per sources familiar with his situation. If the initial projection holds, however, Brees would miss six games before returning after the Saints' bye week to play Nov. 10 against the Falcons.

Brees (thumb) had successful surgery and hopes to return in approximately six weeks, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Saints haven't placed Brees on injured reserve, a transaction that would free up a spot on the 53-man roster but also make him ineligible for the next eight weeks. Given his importance to the team, it only makes sense if there's no chance for the quarterback to return before the end of that timeline. Brees seems to have a shot, but Teddy Bridgewater and/or Taysom Hill will be under center through the end of October at the very least.

Brees had surgery on the torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right hand Wednesday, Amie Just of The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.

EDGE Analysis

Brees opted for the procedure after getting two separate opinions on his right thumb, eventually going under the knife with the first doctor to examine the injury. He doesn't have a timetable for his return, with coach Sean Payton relaying, "We'll look at that each week as we go." Having said that, Payton intimated Wednesday that Brees won't be placed on injured reserve, according to Luke Johnson of USA Today. With that knowledge, the Saints may be hopeful that Brees will complete his recovery within the next eight weeks. No matter how long it takes, Payton and the offense are moving forward with Teddy Bridgewater and Taysom Hill under center.

Coach Sean Payton suggested Wednesday that the Saints don't plan to place Brees (thumb) on injured reserve, Luke Johnson of USA Today reports.

EDGE Analysis

Payton also confirmed that Brees would undergo surgery later Wednesday to repair ligament damage to the veteran's injured right thumb. The Saints won't offer a firm timeline for Brees' return until the procedure is completed, but the expectation is that the signal-caller will be sidelined for around 6-to-8 weeks. The Saints' reluctance to place Brees on IR implies some optimism that the 40-year-old will be able to meet the short end of that timeline. For however long Brees is sidelined, the Saints will roll with Teddy Bridgewater and Taysom Hill as their options behind center.