Sean Payton: Drew Brees 'hindered' by big hit but too early to discuss status

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New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees was "hindered" by a big hit in Sunday's loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, coach Sean Payton said Monday.

Asked if Brees might miss any time to rest the injury, Payton said it was too early to discuss.

"Today's the day after. You take a peek and see how he's feeling, coming along, and see where we're at Wednesday," Payton said. "Certainly we'll do the best thing for him and for where he's at. But I think it's early to say."

Payton said he didn't see the hit that appeared to affect Brees' arm or shoulder until reviewing film on Monday.

"The one specific hit that he took, it certainly hindered him and made it more difficult," Payton said.

Payton said he was "not worried" about Brees, but he also avoided downplaying the injury or even issuing his usual non-response or "next question."

"Certainly when he takes a shot like he took yesterday -- and I didn't see it until watching the film today -- you want to make sure he's healthy and he's upright.

"He's been throwing it outstanding. Then he takes that shot and obviously that can affect you, once you get hit like that. So we've got to be better in protection. Too many times he was getting hurried."

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