Derek Carr would like to avoid surgery, be ready week one
05/09/2025
By Ross Jackson
It is expected that the New Orleans Saints and starting quarterback Derek Carr will have resolution soon. Until then, the speculation continues.
On Thursday afternoon, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport joined the Pat McAfee show and provided his own update on Carr’s injury, which is only half the story.
“I believe Derek Carr would like to not have surgery..
I believe he would like to rehab and get back on the field for week one..
He’s doing what he can and we’ll see what happens” ~ @RapSheet #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/QmmZKVV8fW
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) May 8, 2025
“I believe Derek Carr would like to not have surgery,” Rapoport said. “I believe he would like to rehab, get this thing right, get back in the field for week one. Which, my understanding, is still at least a possibility. but there’s been no firm “He’s not having surgery, he’s good to go,” or “he is having surgery.”
Carr’s shoulder injury has been a hot topic all offseason, as it has a major impact on the direction of the Saints.
Last week, NFL Network reporter Jane Slater reported that Carr would like to avoid surgery on the shoulder because he has had a previous procedure there. It sounds like any kind of surgery to repair the injured shoulder, which Carr reportedly believes took place during the New York Giants tumble last year. It would cost Carr his 2025 season, another reason to desire a different path.
On Thursday, Rapoport reiterated the cost of the surgery.
“Any surgery, it’s major,” Rapoport said. “Potentially not playing next season. That’s what nobody wants. So I believe he is doing what he can now to try and get back in the field week one.”
So, if the path forward is rehab rather than surgery, there is a chance that Carr would be able to suit up week one. The question remains: for what team?
Carr’s injury is just half of the story. The other half revolves around the relationship between the team and player and what the team may decide is their best path forward.
Carr said during his sermon in Las Vegas that there is “nothing wrong” between him and the Saints, though there have been numerous reports of division, trade requests and sought after departures.
Derek Carr is publicly speaking about his shoulder injury. During a church service in Las Vegas (@TheChurchLV), he said he has been in contact with #Saints officials, has gotten an MRI and says everyone is trying to figure out the next steps. pic.twitter.com/ud2GRiHixI
— Farrah Yvette (@farrah_yvette) April 28, 2025
For what it’s worth, general manager Mickey Loomis said in his post-draft media availability that Carr was the team’s starter. But there has still been no declaration from either side that there is a desire to move forward together.
The Saints drafted Louisville quarterback Tyler Shough at pick No. 40 overall, and the widespread expectation has been that the rookie will be the team’s starter at some point during the 2025 season, potentially as early as week one.
Which then begs the question: if Carr is able to rehab and be back on the field in 2025, will it be in New Orleans? The injury progress still looks to be halted despite desires. So too may be the future between the Saints and Carr unless everything is patched up neatly.