Brees: Doctors discovered 6 more rib fractures

While Drew Brees' recovery from the multiple injuries that landed him on injured reserve has been encouraging to his doctors, they have discovered six more rib fractures, the New Orleans Saints quarterback told ESPN's Ed Werder.

Medical personnel had initially diagnosed Brees with five fractures and a collapsed lung but further X-rays and CAT scans uncovered eight rib fractures on his left side and three more on his right side, he told Werder.

Brees believes he first suffered the fractures on his left side in a Week 9 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The 41-year-old believes he fractured the three ribs on his right side in last Sunday's win against the San Francisco 49ers after he took a hard hit in the first half and was unable to return at halftime. Brees told Werder he felt his body shut down due to the injuries, prompting him to tell head coach Sean Payton he wouldn't be able to re-enter the game.

New Orleans placed Brees on IR Friday. The designation guarantees he will miss three games.

The veteran passer told Werder he hopes to return after the three-week absence. The Saints own a 7-2 record and currently lead the NFC South by half a game.

Taysom Hill is reportedly slated to start for the Saints versus the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday.