Drew Brees plans to practice this week and hopes he can return as early as this coming Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals.

"We'll see how it goes. I'd love to [play]. It's a goal," Brees said.

When asked if he considers it a realistic goal, the quarterback said, "I hope so."

The New Orleans Saints have won five straight with Teddy Bridgewater under center.

Brees has been sidelined 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.