Brees hoping to return Week 8 vs. Cardinals

New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees said he'll practice this week and hopes to return from his thumb injury on Sunday versus the Arizona Cardinals.

"We'll see how it goes. I'd love to (play). It's a goal," Brees said, according to ESPN's Mike Triplett.

Brees has been sidelined since injuring the thumb during Week 2. In his absence, Teddy Bridgewater has won five straight games under center, including a 36-25 defeat of the Chicago Bears in Week 7.

During the Week 7 broadcast, FOX Sports sideline reporter Erin Andrews said that Saints head coach Sean Payton is hoping Brees can return against Arizona and will play the veteran if he's healthy. However, Payton called that report "incorrect" after the contest.

"I'll fill you guys in day by day," Payton told the media after beating Chicago. "We're not targeting ... We're gonna see how he's doing. And we'll give you the news when we feel like we're ready to."

Since coming in for Brees during Week 2, Bridgewater has completed 67% of his passes for 1,370 yards, nine touchdowns, and two interceptions.

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