Drew Brees can now rejoice. Brees will make his return in NFL Week 8. The New Orleans Saints and their fans got some welcome news on Monday when quarterback Drew Brees told reporters that he plans to return to practice this week and hopes to be able to play when the team faces the Arizona Cardinals this week.

Brees has been unable to play since he suffered a thumb injury on his right throwing hand in Week 2. He had surgery Sept. 18 to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament, and the initial prognosis for his recovery was six to eight weeks, which Brees said he was going to try to beat.

“We’ll see how it goes. I’d love to [play]. It’s a goal,” Brees told ESPN after the New Orleans Saints won their fifth straight game without him on Sunday at Chicago. What does this mean for NFL week 8 picks?

Even though Drew Brees feels he is ready to play, head coach Sean Payton can hold him out for another week. This to give him more time to recover from the thumb injury. The injury that he suffered because backup quarterback Teddy Bridgewater has played well in his absence and has won his last five starts.

Drew Brees Back With Saints for NFL Week 8

Despite Brees’ comments about his status, Payton was unwilling to address the issue after the team’s win over the Chicago Bears on Sunday.

“I’ll fill you guys in day by day. 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,” Payton said. Does Payton bench Drew Brees? Who will start for the Saints in NFL Week 8?

When someone started to ask a follow-up question, Payton said, “Again, I’m not even discussing it. Sorry.” Payton was not as happy as Saints fans.

Unlike other teams in this situation, there won’t be a quarterback controversy when Brees is ready to return despite the solid play of Bridgewater, who has completed 67.7 percent of his passes for 1,370 yards, nine touchdowns, and two interceptions.