Report: Carr wants to avoid surgery on injured shoulder

By Ross Jackson

NEW ORLEANS — Saints quarterback Derek Carr would like to avoid surgery on his injured throwing shoulder and a decision could come soon, according to a new report. 

NFL Network’s Jane Slater updated the situation Tuesday on The Insiders after what has been a mostly quiet week surrounding the situation. 

From today’s Insiders as I got just a little more info on the Carr situation. pic.twitter.com/PklknYhwSI

— Jane Slater (@SlaterNFL) May 6, 2025

“(Carr) is trying to figure out what makes the most sense for his shoulder,” Slater said. “And he is in constant communication with (Saints general manager) Mikey Loomis. But it sounds like there’s going to be a decision sooner rather than later.”

The Saints drafted Louisville quarterback Tyler Shough in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft, signaling that they are bracing to be without Carr in 2025. It looks like there may be some resolution toward the team’s direction soon. Carr could rehab the shoulder injury and return at a later point in the year or have season-ending shoulder surgery. 

Slater reports that Carr’s reluctance to opt for surgery stems from a previous surgical procedure on the same shoulder. A second procedure is something he would like to avoid, though he may not have a choice. 

“It’s my understanding that he has been down to New Orleans twice in the last few weeks,” Slater said. “He’s met with the team doctor at the facility.”

She goes on to say that it’s unclear whether or not Carr has met in person with new head coach Kellen Moore, but that the two have spoken by phone. Moore himself has confirmed a conversation by phone as well. 

Slater also confirmed a few of the details reported by Carr’s older brother, David Carr, ahead of the NFL Draft. 

Carr believes his injury took place in the Week 14 matchup against the New York Giants, the same game in which he suffered head and hand injuries. The reason the shoulder injury went undiagnosed is because Carr wasn’t throwing while rehabbing from the hand injury.