Drew Brees actually has 11 rib fractures

Brees believes he first suffered the fractures on his left side in a Week 9 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees told ESPN on Saturday night that doctors have been encouraged by his progress, specifically improvement in lung function and the continued dissipation of the pneumothorax suffered in the first half of last weekend's victory over the San Francisco 49ers. Brees said he was not able to throw the ball even 10 yards at the time.

Medical personnel had initially diagnosed Brees with five fractures and a collapsed lung but further X-rays and CAT scans uncovered eight rib fractures on his left side and three more on his right side, he told Werder.

The quarterback was placed on the injured reserve list Friday, meaning he would miss at least three games - beginning with the Week 11 game against the Atlanta Falcons. The 7-2 Saints play the Falcons, Broncos and the Falcons again in the next three games.

The most likely outcome might just be both players seeing significant playtime, with the hope that Brees can come back as soon as possible.

The Saints play the Eagles in Week 14.

The Saints went 5-0 without Brees last season as Teddy Bridgewater led them while Brees recovered from a thumb injury.