Saints QB Derek Carr shares surprising take on recent concussions

While many athletes are worried about concussions and their potential effects down the road, New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr is unbothered after suffering two head injuries over three weeks. 

After suffering concussions in Weeks 10 and 13, Carr shared a surprising take on his status while speaking with Luke Johnson of the New Orleans Times-Picayune. 

"I do not have any worries on that stuff," Carr said. "It didn't feel like the two were even related to one another. So, for me, that's just sometimes the price of doing business and playing football. So, no concern on that part, long-term or short-term. Fully confident that I can be alright playing with that part of it." 

Quarterbacks have been hit by injury particularly hard this season with New York Jets' Aaron Rodgers (Achilles), New York Giants' Daniel Jones (knee), Minnesota Vikings' Kirk Cousins' (Achilles), Indianapolis Colts' Anthony Richardson (shoulder), Cleveland Browns' Deshaun Watson (shoulder) and Cincinnati Bengals' Joe Burrow (wrist) all going down for the season. However, concussions may still be an issue, especially for QBs. Ahead of the 2023 campaign, Jeff Miller, the NFL executive vice president of communications, public affairs and policy, revealed that quarterbacks and special teamers made up 60 percent of an 18 percent uptick in concussions in 2022. 

On top of a concussion, Carr is also nursing rib and shoulder injuries. Somehow, he cleared the final concussion protocol test on Friday to be eligible to play in the Saints' Week 14 contest against the Carolina Panthers. The Saints have Carr listed as questionable for the contest, but he's preparing to play. 

"I did my protocol stuff, but I also, most importantly, made sure I did everything I need to do to accomplish my job," Carr said. "I always believe to give anything less than your best is to sacrifice your gift, so I'm never going to give anything less than my best."