The Saints won’t have quarterback Drew Brees for quite a while.

According to NFL Network, Brees suffered a torn ligament in the thumb on his throwing hand and is likely out for six weeks. The type of procedure and who performs it could alter the timeline, per the report. There were concerns the injury could be “significant,” and those fears were realized.

Brees suffered the injury Sunday during the Saints’ loss to the Rams. Brees visited a hand specialist in Los Angeles immediately after the game.

The 40-year-old longtime Saint got his hand caught in Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald’s outstretched arm as he made an incomplete pass to tight end Jared Cook in the first quarter. Brees exited the game and didn’t return, unable to grip a ball.

Brees said he had X-rays taken at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, but neglected to say anything until his meeting with the hand specialist, which was scheduled for Sunday night.

“Yeah, I am concerned,” Brees said after the game. “I am hoping it’s not too significant. … I’m hoping for the best and preparing for whatever the next steps might be according to the evaluation.”

During Brees’ 14 years with the Saints, he’s missed just one game due to injury. Former Jet Teddy Bridgewater, who was traded to the Saints in August 2018, finished Sunday’s game and likely will start with Brees sidelined.