Saints QB Derek Carr is week-to-week due to shoulder sprain: 'We dodged a bullet there'

When New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr was lying face down on the grass at Lambeau Field on Sunday, it looked like he might have sustained a serious injury. But 24 hours later, the outlook is a lot more positive for Carr and the Saints.

Head coach Dennis Allen told the media Monday that Carr has a sprained AC joint in his right shoulder but isn't going to be out for a significant amount of time — or maybe any time at all. Allen wouldn't rule him out for the Saints' Week 4 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Allen said the Saints "dodged a bullet" with Carr's injury because it definitely looked a lot worse than a week-to-week issue when it happened. Carr was injured in the third quarter when he was wrapped up in a sack by Rashan Gary and got smashed into the turf on his right side. He stayed on the ground for several minutes after the play was over and appeared to be in a lot of pain.

The Saints punted on the next play, and Carr was evaluated in the medical tent while Green Bay's offense was on the field. Carr eventually went back to the locker room, and Jameis Winston replaced him when the Saints got the ball back.

Carr was ruled out for the fourth quarter and reportedly taken to the hospital for further evaluation. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport said they were making sure Carr didn't have any internal injuries.

Allen said that what happens with Carr going forward depends on how his shoulder feels as the week progresses, but he already feels better than he did Sunday. Despite that, Winston might want to avoid making any plans next weekend. The Saints might need him again.