Saints HC Sean Payton didn't sound optimistic on Wednesday about QB Drew Brees' chances of returning for this weekend's game against the Chiefs. "He's got a ways to go still, and he's someone we're not gonna just hurry back and just put him in the game," Payton said. "I think the significance of the injuries are such that you've gotta make sure he can function and feel confident." Brees was activated from IR on Wednesday, making him eligible to play this weekend. But it continues to look like QB Taysom Hill will get at least 1 more start.

Retired QB Drew Brees tweeted that he might return to football. “Despite speculation from media about my future this fall, I’m currently undecided,” Brees began. “I may work for NBC, I may play football again, I may focus on business and philanthropy, I may train for the pickleball tour, senior golf tour, coach my kids or all of the above. I’ll let you know.” Brees last suited up in the Divisional Round of the 2020-2021 postseason. He turned 43 in January.

UPDATE: Long-time Saints beat writer Jeff Duncan tweeted that Brees' comment was "100% in jest...[there's] nothing to see here."

Saints QB Drew Brees has announced that he's retiring. It's a move we've all expected this offseason, removing the player who has started behind center in New Orleans for the past 15 years. Taysom Hill is the leading candidate on the current roster to replace him. Many expect Jameis Winston to return and compete with Hill. We'll see whether Winston re-signs with the team. Brees retires with the NFL record for career passing yards, but that won't stand for long with Tom Brady planning to play another 12 years.

Saints QB Drew Brees is "likely" to retire after this season, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. The 42-year-old reportedly has a TV contract waiting from NBC. The Saints, meanwhile, would like to bring back QB Jameis Winston. "They love what they've seen in practice," Rapoport says. "They've seen the arm talent. They've seen all the skills that made him a #1 pick. They love the work ethic. They just haven't seen him show that he's learned mentally to cut down the INTs because he hasn't played." New Orleans also has QB Taysom Hill under contract for 2021.

Saints QB Drew Brees (ribs) is officially active for today’s game against the Chiefs. He’s historically been great at home and figures to find himself in a shootout vs. Patrick Mahomes. But Brees also carries elevated risk in his 1st game back from injury and without WR Michael Thomas. Consider him a risk/reward QB1 option.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that Saints QB Drew Brees (ribs) will start Sunday's game against the Chiefs. Brees has reportedly looked and felt good enough in practice this week and has been cleared by doctors to return. The 41-year-old averaged 265 yards and 2.1 TDs across 8 full games to open the season, completing 74% of his passes and averaging 7.4 yards per attempt. He figures to find himself in a shootout vs. the Chiefs this weekend. So, assuming he has WR Michael Thomas (ankle), Brees will be back in the low-end QB1 mix. His return is good news for Thomas and especially Alvin Kamara.