Why is Derek Carr not playing tonight? Exploring Saints QB's absence for Week 16 MNF vs. Packers

Derek Carr has been a topic of discussion for the New Orleans Saints ahead of their Week 16 clash against the Green Bay Packers. The quarterback has been ruled out for the Monday Night Football game, and fans want to know the reason behind Carr's absence.

Why is Derek Carr not playing tonight vs. Packers?

New Orleans Saints QB Derek Carr - Source: Getty

Derek Carr is ruled out for the matchup against the Packers due to an injury to his left hand. The Saints quarterback reportedly has two fractures in his hand and won't play in the Week 16 game on Monday night.

Carr did not practice at all during the week. Some reports also suggest that the signal-caller could miss the rest of the season. In Carr's absence, Spencer Rattler will lead the Saints' offense.

Carr picked up the injury on Dec. 8 during New Orleans' 14-11 win over the New York Giants. He ran for a first down in the fourth quarter and used his left hand to brace his fall. However, Carr didn't complete the first down and did some damage to his left hand. He exited the game and did not return.

Reports claimed that Carr did not need surgery on his hand, but it was not a minor injury. Thus, his recovery could take a few weeks at least.

The Saints travel to face the Packers on Monday and return home for a clash with Carr’s old Las Vegas Raiders (Dec. 29) in Week 17. New Orleans will close out its season on the road against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Jan. 5) in Week 18.

The Saints are out of the playoff race, and it remains to be seen whether Carr will return to action later this season.

How has Derek Carr performed this season?

Carr was solid for the Saints in the 10 games that he has played this season. The quarterback completed 189 of 287 passes for 2,145 yards with 15 touchdowns and five interceptions. He also rushed for 72 yards and one touchdown on 17 carries.

Carr previously missed three games earlier in the season when he was dealing with an oblique injury. Rattler had filled in the Saints' quarterback in that period as well.