Report: Brees suffering from collapsed lung, multiple rib fractures

New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees is dealing with a collapsed right lung and multiple rib fractures on both sides of his chest, ESPN's Ed Werder reports.

Brees sustained the injuries over the past two games, fracturing two ribs Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers and three ribs the week prior, Werder adds.

The most optimistic timeline for Brees' recovery is two-to-three weeks, but there is hope he'll return in time for the postseason, a source told ESPN's Dan Graziano.

Brees was replaced by Jameis Winston at halftime Sunday due to injury and did not return. The veteran quarterback was also dealing with a shoulder issue coming into Week 10.

Head coach Sean Payton declined to announce who will start at quarterback for the Saints' Week 11 game against the Atlanta Falcons, according to Amie Just of NOLA.com.

Winston has completed seven passes for 75 yards this season and would be the most likely candidate to start.

Signed by the Saints in the offseason, Winston brings reliable experience to New Orleans' offense. The 26-year-old signal-caller has 70 career starts and 121 passing touchdowns under his belt.

Taysom Hill is also an option at quarterback for the Saints, but the team has mostly utilized him as a running threat.

The Saints sit in first place in the NFC South.