Carr’s Collapse, Saints QB’s Season on the Brink After Hand Injury

At a Glance:

Player: Derek Carr
Position: Quarterback
Team: Saints
Injury: Hand Fracture
Projected Recovery Time: TBD

Week 14 Injury Report: Carr’s Collapse, Saints QB’s Season on the Brink After Injury

New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr is expected to miss significant time following a left hand fracture and concussion sustained on the same play during Sunday’s game. NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero confirmed that Carr suffered a substantial fracture to his left, non-throwing hand. Saints special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi noted that if Carr is able to return this season, he will likely need to wear a protective device on his injured hand.

“It’s a good news-bad news situation,” Rizzi said Monday. “The good news is, it’s not his throwing hand. The bad news is we’re dealing with a significant injury that will require careful monitoring and a play-it-by-ear approach.” With only four weeks remaining in the regular season, Carr’s injury appears to be a likely season-ender unless his recovery progresses exceptionally quickly.

Carr’s Rehabilitation Plan

Carr’s rehabilitation program will focus on managing the fracture while restoring strength and mobility in his hand. Early stages of rehab may include pinching putty exercises to improve finger dexterity and control. As the healing process advances, late-stage activities such as farmer carries with dumbbells will help rebuild grip strength and hand endurance. In preparation for an eventual return to play, Carr would work on soft-tossing a football to gradually reintroduce game-like movements without compromising his recovery.

In this video, the 3DPT team demonstrates a few exercises that could be incorporated into a rehab program for a fracture of the hand.

While the Saints remain hopeful for Carr’s return, the team will likely prioritize his long-term health, especially given the timing of the injury late in the season.

Source: https://www.neworleanssaints.com/news/new-orleans-saints-quarterback-derek-carr-week-to-week-with-left-hand-injury