New Orleans Saints' QB Doing Everything He Can to Play Against Buccaneers

New Orleans Saints starting quarterback Derek Carr suffered a minor shoulder injury in the team's 18-17 loss to the Green Bay Packers over the weekend. The AC joint injury that Carr is now dealing with could keep him out against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in an NFC South showdown on Sunday - setting up former Bucs' QB Jameis Winston to become the starter.

Carr's injury has been classified as week-to-week in terms of the healing process and being able to get back onto the field. However, he's optimistic about returning quickly and is doing everything in his power to try and take the gridiron this Sunday in a pivotal divisional showdown.

In a meeting with the media on Wednesday, Carr stated that if he is physically able to play then he will take the field.

“If I can play, I’ll play. If I physically just can’t play, I won’t be out there,” Carr said.

Also important to note, is that Carr also made it abundantly clear that he would be confident starting Sunday even if he doesn't attempt a pass all week in practice.

Saints' head coach Dennis Allen echoed in part what Carr was putting out there exclaiming that his injury would be more of a pain management issue rather than any structural damage he would have to deal with. There is a possibility we could see him in Caesars Superdome come Sunday.

If Carr is unable to go, Jameis Winston will take the helm as the team's starting quarterback. However, the Saints also have swiss army knife, Taysom Hill, who, in this situation, would likely see more direct snaps from the QB position as well.

The Buccaneers don't need to completely change their game plan no matter who the quarterback is for the Saints. They know what they are getting with Carr and also have experience against both Winston and Hill and should be able to combat both if need be.

The Bucs are dealing with a slew of injuries in their secondary and most likely won't be at 100% at the position so they will need to be ready regardless of who is at QB for the Saints as they will most likely look to expose the less experienced corners on the outside for the Bucs.

You can follow Caleb on Twitter @chsnole.

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