New Orleans Saints' Drew Brees has fractured ribs, collapsed lung, source says

The results of medical evaluations performed Monday on New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees revealed that he has multiple rib fractures on both sides of his chest and a collapsed lung on the right side, according to a source.

The most optimistic timetable for a return is two to three weeks, but the people involved are prepared for it to be longer, a source told ESPN's Dan Graziano. It will depend on how long Brees' injuries take to heal, which varies from patient to patient, and when the Saints are convinced he is able to take a hit without risk of serious reinjury. There is hope that he will return in time for the playoffs.

The two broken ribs on his right side occurred in the first half of the Saints' victory over the San Francisco 49ers, a game that backup Jameis Winston finished after Brees determined he could not play the second half because he was having difficulty breathing.

The three fractured ribs on the left side are believed to have occurred in the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last week. They did not show up as such on the X-ray performed at the time, possibly because of inflammation, but they were clearly seen on the CAT scan performed Monday.

https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/30331275/new-orleans-saints-drew-brees-fractured-ribs-collapsed-lung-source-says

2 to 3 weeks means Brees misses Atlanta twice and Denver. A fourth week would add Philadelphia. I wager they hold him out until the next game, which would be Kansas City. Those first four games are probable wins without him.

That was clean hit by the 49ers Street, BTW. Shouldn't have been flagged.