The New Orleans Saints have designated Drew Brees to return to practice, but Sean Payton says the quarterback still has "a ways to go" in his recovery from 11 broken ribs and a punctured lung.

"We haven't ruled anything just because we don't have to," Payton said when asked if there is a chance that Brees could play Sunday. "He's got a ways to go still, and he's someone we're not gonna just hurry back and just put him in the game."

"I think the significance of the injuries are such that you've gotta make sure he can function and feel confident."