Overview
- Multiple outlets reported Sunday that Shough sustained two fractures in his non-throwing left hand earlier this month against the Atlanta Falcons and has continued to play without missing time.
- Reports say Shough has been taping his ring and pinky together, wearing a heavily bandaged protective glove, and changing how he hands off the ball to compensate for the injury.
- The diagnosis has not been publicly confirmed by the Saints, but league reporters say the breaks are expected to take weeks to months to heal while Shough intends to remain the starter.
- The injury supply explains recent inconsistent play, including a season-low 96 passing yards against the Minnesota Vikings, and comes as New Orleans sits 1-4 with owner Gayle Benson publicly criticizing team performance.
- The immediate concern is medical and roster risk: a hard blow could convert a manageable fracture into a season-ending injury, and the Saints have only an unproven backup ahead of back-to-back road games and a near-term bye.