The Saints have a lengthy injury report heading into their Week 9 matchup with the Panthers, but they will return a critical player on Sunday.

Quarterback Derek Carr is not injured and is preparing to return to league competition.

Carr has not played since suffering an oblique injury in the Week 5 loss against the Chiefs and has missed the last three games.

“I hope this will have a huge positive impactHead coach Dennis Allen talked about Carr’s return during Friday’s press conference, noting that the offense looked “really sharp” in practice. “My hope is that that translates to the game. But I think whenever a veteran player like Derek comes back, he’s overcome a lot of obstacles throughout his career. So just being able to communicate, make sure everybody’s lined up, make sure everybody’s on the same page; with a veteran point guard there, that’s even more important.” I think it will improve.”

This season, Carr has completed 70.3 percent of his passes for 989 yards with eight touchdowns and four interceptions.

The Saints will have cornerback Marshon Lattimore (hamstring), cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry (hamstring), receiver Means (ankle) or running back Kendre Miller (hamstring), as they are all ruled out.

Running back Jamaal Williams (groin) is questionable.

Cornerback Rico Payton (back), defenseman Cedrick Wilson Jr. (hip), offensive lineman Nick Saldiveri (shoulder), offensive lineman Shane Lemieux (knee), linebacker Nephi Sewell (knee) and linebacker John Ridgeway (oblique) are questionable.

Running back Alvin Kamara, safety Tyrann Mathieu (illness) and tight end Juwan Johnson (shoulder) are off the report and ready to play.