Saints quarterback Drew Brees diagnosed with multiple rib fractures, collapsed lung

Drew Brees has been diagnosed with multiple rib fractures and a collapsed right lung, a person with knowledge of the situation said Monday.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the Saints have not announced specifics about Brees' injury, which the 41-year-old quarterback said occurred on a heavy hit by 49ers defensive lineman Kentavius Street in the second quarter of New Orleans 27-13 victory Sunday.

Brees' injuries, which were first reported by ESPN, are expected to sideline the quarterback for multiple weeks. Two of the Saints' next three games are against the Falcons, first on Sunday in the Superdome and then in Atlanta on Dec. 6. In between, New Orleans visits Denver on Nov. 29.

Saints coach Sean Payton said Monday he would not comment on any injuries before the first required injury report of this week on Wednesday.

But with Brees virtually certain to miss upcoming games, the Saints offense likely will be run primarily by Jameis Winston, a 2015 first overall draft choice by Tampa Bay whom New Orleans signed to a one-year contract as a free agent this offseason. Taysom Hill, a utility player who intermittently takes over for Brees on option plays — but also plays tight end and on special teams — also could see his snaps at quarterback increase, depending on Winston's performance.

While Brees initially missed only two plays after the hit by Street and returned for another touchdown drive in the final two minutes of the half, he told Payton he did not feel fit to continue in the second half on Sunday. Winston took most of the snaps after that, with Hill also running a number of plays behind center.

Winston completed six of 10 passes for 63 yards and Payton said he thought Winston "did a good job," but added that the offense as a whole was hampered because of injuries to other key regulars, including receiver Tre'Quan Smith and tight end Josh Hill, who both left with concussion symptoms.

"Both [Winston] and Taysom have a good feel of what we're trying to do," Payton said. "They pick things up and I feel like it's a good [quarterback] room."

• Cowboys quarterback Andy Dalton has been cleared for practice after missing two games and getting through the protocols for a concussion and COVID-19. Coach Mike McCarthy said Dalton participated in an informal practice, but wouldn't say if he would start against the Vikings on Sunday.

• Panthers coach Matt Rhule said medical tests revealed that Teddy Bridgewater "does not have a serious knee injury" and added that he's hopeful the quarterback will return to practice Wednesday and play Sunday against the Lions. Bridgewater injured his right knee in the fourth quarter of a 46-23 thrashing by the Buccaneers and had to be replaced by P.J. Walker.

• Jets quarterback Sam Darnold was ruled out for a second consecutive game because of a sprained right shoulder. Coach Adam Gase announced that Joe Flacco will start for Darnold when the winless Jets take on the Chargers in Los Angeles on Sunday.

• The Chiefs signed coach Andy Reid and General Manager Brett Veach to contract extensions, after reaching back-to-back AFC Championship Games and delivering the Chiefs (8-1) their first Super Bowl title in 50 years last season.