Drew Brees Says He 'Will Be Back In No Time' From Ribs, Lung Injuries

New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees is optimistic about making a quick return to action after sustaining multiple injuries during Sunday's win against the San Francisco 49ers.

Brees reportedly sustained "at least five broken ribs and a collapsed lung" after taking a hard hit from 49ers defensive tackle Kentavius Street during the second quarter of Sunday's win, which resulted in a roughing-the-passer penalty that gave New Orleans a first down inside the red zone.

On Monday, sources told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero the Saints were preparing for the former Super Bowl MVP to "miss some time" while he makes a full recovery. Hours later, Brees shared a photo of himself on Instagram blowing into a spirometer -- which measures the air going in and out of the lungs -- surrounded by his three children with the caption, "Who Dat Nation: I’ve got the best medical team in the world...will be back in no time!"

The veteran remained in the game after the hit, but backup Taysom Hill took over at quarterback while Brees lined up at wide receiver. Hill stayed in shotgun formation for the next play and Brees left the field to throw passes on the sideline with a staffer, NOLA.com reports.

Brees re-entered the game on the next play and handed the ball off to running back Alvin Kamara for a touchdown. He once again returned to the field to lead the Saints on a two-minute drill before halftime, completing 5 of 6 passes, including a touchdown to Kamara.

However, backup Jameis Winston took over in the third quarter after Brees realized he'd be unable to return while going through warmups. Head coach Sean Payton said Brees' injury on Sunday was "probably going to be the first time in 15 years that it was significant enough like he felt like he couldn't function in the second half," NOLA.com reports.

Brees said he felt cramping/stiffening "was a good way to put it," and believed it was "probably not just one" rib. The veteran quarterback also dealt with a right shoulder injury prior to Sunday's game, which he confirmed he was dealing with earlier in the week, NOLA.com reports.

Brees was initially listed on the Saints' injury report for a right shoulder ailment on November 4 and limited in practices since, including all three leading up to the game against San Francisco last week. Last season, Brees missed five games due to a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his right thumb.

Winston, a former No. 1 overall NFL draft pick in 2015, completed 6 of 10 passes for 63 yards in Brees' absence on Sunday. The Saints have yet to confirm whether the former Heisman Trophy winner or Hill will take over as the starter in Brees' expected absence as of Tuesday.

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