In a highly anticipated matchup between the New Orleans Saints and the struggling Carolina Panthers, the spotlight is on the imminent return of veteran quarterback Derek Carr. Reports from NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport confirm Carr’s successful clearance from concussion protoco.



As the Saints gear up to take on the 1-11 Panthers, Carr’s journey to readiness stands as a testament to resilience. Despite grappling with injuries, including a concussion, rib, and shoulder issues after the Week 13 loss to the Lions, Carr’s confidence in his preparation shines through.



Rigorous adherence to treatment and protocol allowed him to participate in limited practice sessions on Wednesday and Thursday, culminating in full participation on Friday. Despite a questionable label, the 32-year-old Carr reassured reporters about his condition.



<h2>Carr’s Crucial Role Amidst Uncertainties</h2>



A linchpin in the team’s performance, Carr has left three different games in his debut season with the Saints, contributing 2,761 passing yards, 11 touchdowns, and six interceptions to their 5-7 record.



With the NFC South still within reach, the Saints are banking on Carr’s consistency in the ongoing competition with the Buccaneers (5-7) and the Falcons (6-6). However, uncertainties persist regarding the availability of key offensive weapons for Carr.



Chris Olave, the wide receiver dealing with an illness, is listed as questionable after missing Thursday and Friday practices. Meanwhile Taysom Hill, also facing question marks, sat out the entire week due to foot and left-hand injuries.

Derek Carr's Return Sparks Excitement as Saints Face Panthers Challenge

Derek Carr's Return Sparks Excitement as Saints Face Panthers Challenge - thesportsdrops NEWS

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The New Orleans Saints are facing a defensive challenge as standout cornerback Marshon Lattimore is set to miss a minimum of four games due to an ankle injury, according to reports from NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero.



The injury, sustained during Week 10 against the Minnesota Vikings, has led to the decision to place Lattimore on injured reserve, despite the team’s bye week providing some extra recovery time.



The earliest possible return for the four-time Pro Bowler is targeted for Week 16 in a Thursday night matchup against the Rams. This setback adds to the Saints’ woes, coming after the recent placement of Michael Thomas on injured reserve.



<h2>Navigating Absence of Elite Cornerback Marshon Lattimore</h2>



Lattimore, a defensive linchpin since his 2017 entry into the league, showcasing his ability to shut down some of the league’s top receivers. In 10 starts this season, he has once again demonstrated his value with one interception, eight passes defensed, 48 total tackles, and two tackles for loss.



With Lattimore on the sidelines, the responsibility of anchoring the cornerback position now falls to Isaac Yiadom, supported by Paulson Adebo and Cameron Dantzler in managing outside receivers.



This injury poses a significant test for the Saints’ defensive depth as they navigate through a challenging stretch without two key playmakers. The absence of Lattimore’s defensive prowess underscores the impact of losing a player who ranks among the league’s elite cornerbacks.

Saints Defensive Blow: Marshon Lattimore Out for Four Games Amidst Injury Woes

Saints Defensive Blow: Marshon Lattimore Out for Four Games Amidst Injury Woes - thesportsdrops NEWS

New Orleans is reinforcing its pass-rushing capabilities and adding Super Bowl experience with the signing of three-time Pro Bowl defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul, who is set to join the Saints’ practice squad, as reported in Thursday’s league transaction wire.



Following a visit with the Saints on Monday, Pierre-Paul has chosen to stay, aiming to reinvigorate the team’s somewhat lackluster pass rush. Notably, the Saints have recorded just 18 sacks in the 2023 season.



A 2010 first-round pick of the New York Giants, the 34-year-old Pierre-Paul brings a wealth of experience, having played eight seasons in New York, four with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the previous year with the Baltimore Ravens.



<h2>A Super Bowl-Winning Force Joins the Saints’ Defensive Arsenal</h2>



Impressively, Pierre-Paul has secured Super Bowl victories with both the Giants and the Buccaneers. In the 2022 season, he signed with the Ravens a few games into the season and started 13 games, contributing three sacks and 26 tackles.



The addition of Pierre-Paul is expected to complement an already seasoned defense. However, the impact he will have on improving New Orleans’ pass-rushing statistics is eagerly anticipated, given the team’s current tally of just 18 sacks in the 2023 season.



Pierre-Paul’s track record suggests he could provide a valuable boost to the Saints’ pass rush, potentially making a significant difference as the team strives for defensive success in the remainder of the season.

Saints Bolster Pass Rush with Addition of Jason Pierre-Paul

Saints Bolster Pass Rush with Addition of Jason Pierre-Paul - thesportsdrops NEWS

As reported by WWLTV, linebacker <a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/jacoby-brissett-reacts-to-possibly-taking-over-for-deshaun-watson-2437-20220802-SPD-2437.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kiko Alonso</a> is retiring from the NFL at the tender age of 31. This week, Alonso inked a contract with the <a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-news-49ers-coach-kyle-shanahan-says-deebo-samuel-inspires-him-2423-20220801-SPD-2423.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New Orleans Saints</a>, putting pen to paper on the agreement on Friday. However, after just one training camp session, he made the decision to put his cleats away permanently.



When Alonso took a year off in 2021, he actually played his last NFL game for the Saints in 2019. He was picked by the Buffalo Bills in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft out of Oregon, and he exploded into the game. In all, he had 159 stops, including 11 for loss, two sacks, and four interceptions, earning him a place on the PFWA’s All-Rookie team.



He missed the whole 2014 season due to an ACL rupture he received before the start of his second season. In exchange for LeSean McCoy, he was dealt to the Philadelphia Eagles just before the start of the 2015 season. 



<h2>Alonso hadn’t played since 2020 and attempted to return this season</h2>



Miami Dolphins acquired him after one season in Philadelphia. Before the 2019 season, the Dolphins traded for the linebacker, who has a total of 115 tackles in each of his first three seasons in the league with the team. Since then, the 31-year-old has been moved four times – a record he holds with Eric Dickerson.



With 588 total tackles, three sacks, and ten interceptions across 86 regular-season games, Alonso has a solid resume. That the Saints will want to sign another experienced linebacker in free agency seems plausible in light of this situation.

Kiko Alonso quits NFL following first training session with Saints - thesportsdrops NEWS

Kiko Alonso quits NFL following first training session with Saints

Originally due to expire at the conclusion of the 2023 season, the <a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-news-new-orleans-saints-sign-wide-receiver-jarvis-landry-on-one-year-deal-801-20220515-SPD-801.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New Orleans Saints</a> and linebacker <a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-news-rob-gronkowski-retires-for-second-time-in-career-after-two-seasons-with-buccaneers-1700-20220622-SPD-1700.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Demario Davis</a> have reached an agreement to extend his deal. The veteran has signed a one-year contract deal until 2024, according to ESPN‘s Field Yates.



Until the end of the 2024 season, he’ll be able to earn $14 million, which includes a $10 million basic pay, a $2 million roster bonus, and $2 million in incentives. From 2022 through 2024, the Saints tacked on an additional $2 million in incentives for a grand total of $6 million.



There is a new $250,000 workout bonus and a guaranteed $1 million in Davis’ 2023 basic salary of $8.25 million. New Orleans’ 2022 salary cap is unaffected by this decision, says Yates.



<h2>Davis to remain in New Orleans until 2024</h2>



Davis, 33, was drafted by the Jets in the third round of the 2012 NFL Draft. When he signed a two-year, $8 million deal with the Browns in 2016, he received $4.2 million guaranteed. In 2017, the Jets acquired the linebacker in exchange for S Calvin Pryor. 



Next, he agreed to terms with the Saints for a three-year, $24 million contract the following year. A full-time player in 2021, Davis had a productive season with the Saints, playing in all 16 games and totaling 105 tackles, three sacks, and seven pass deflections.

NFL News: Demario Davis pens new one-year deal with Saints - thesportsdrops NEWS

NFL News: Demario Davis pens new one-year deal with Saints

The <a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-attendance-history-what-is-the-highest-attended-game-of-all-time-136-20220502-SPD-136.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New Orleans Saints</a> have agreed to terms with five-time Pro Bowl wide receiver <a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/how-many-nfl-teams-have-not-won-a-super-bowl-ring-in-their-history-97-20220502-SPD-97.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jarvis Landry</a> on a one-year contract for up to $6 million, according to NFL Media. 



On Friday afternoon, Landry announced the news on social media. Just before the 2022 NFL Draft, he paid a visit to the New Orleans Saints. 



Ex-Ohio State receiver Chris Olave was selected by the Saints as one of their first-round draft choices. Landry, a two-time Pro Bowler with the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns, has been added to the Saints’ receiving core.



<h2>Jarvis Landry moves to Saints</h2>



The 29-year-old was a three-time Pro Bowl selection with the <a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-playoffs-format-how-do-the-postseason-work-75-20220501-SPD-75.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Miami </a><a href="https:\/\/news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-playoffs-format-how-do-the-postseason-work-75-20220501-SPD-75.html">Dolphins</a> and helped the team reach the playoffs in 2016. When he arrived in Cleveland in 2018, he was important in the team’s comeback. 



Cleveland ended their 18-year postseason drought in 2013 after a 0-16 regular season thanks to two-time Pro Bowler Jarvis Landry’s contributions on and off the field. This year, he scored in both of the Browns’ playoff games.

New Orleans Saints

Derek Carr's Return Sparks Excitement as Saints Face Panthers Challenge

Saints Defensive Blow: Marshon Lattimore Out for Four Games Amidst Injury Woes

Saints Bolster Pass Rush with Addition of Jason Pierre-Paul

Kiko Alonso quits NFL following first training session with Saints

NFL News: Demario Davis pens new one-year deal with Saints

NFL News: New Orleans Saints sign wide receiver Jarvis Landry on one-year deal

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