NFL Rumors: Drew Brees Expected To Start For Saints Against Cardinals

Drew Brees had a plan to return to the New Orleans Saints for their Week 8 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals. And now that seems to be a reality.

The quarterback, who had surgery to repair a torn ligament in thumb suffered in Week 2, appears to be ready to go for Sunday, “barring an unforeseen setback,” according to ESPN’s Ed Werder.

Head coach Sean Payton said earlier this week he would make the decision by game-time Sunday. Brees was expected to be out until at least Week 9, but he seems to be ahead of schedule in his recovery as he originally was expected to miss six weeks.

Teddy Bridgewater has filled in admirably in Brees’ absence, leading the Saints to a 5-0 record in his starts. But getting Brees, a future Hall of Famer, back under center certainly will help New Orleans, especially against a Cardinals team that has won its last three games.