Payton: Brees could be game-time decision vs. Cardinals

New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton said Wednesday that he may wait until Sunday to determine whether Drew Brees will return against the Arizona Cardinals, according to ESPN's Josh Weinfuss.

Brees has missed the last five games with a thumb injury.

Shortly after Payton's comments, Brees echoed his optimism from Monday when asked if he intends to play in Week 8.

"That's the plan," answered Brees, according to NFL Network's Steve Wyche.

The 40-year-old underwent thumb surgery in September. He was initially given a return timetable of four-to-six weeks. Sunday's game will be the five-week mark.

The Saints have a bye after playing the Cardinals, so they could opt to give Brees an additional week of rest.

Teddy Bridgewater has won all five of his starts in the future Hall of Famer's absence.

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