Saints' Derek Carr Responds to Michael Thomas' Criticism, Calls ...

"I have love for Mike. But when he does that, I don't really care for it, obviously. I've had so many teammates over the years and he's like the one dude that didn't get along with me, and I don't know what I did to him, I don't know why he feels that way. I'm sorry for whatever he's dealing with to make him feel like he's got to do that. But he's never called me during any of this. My phone number has never changed, I've, in fact, called him on many different occasions... It's unfortunate, especially coming from a player like that, but I wish him the best. I hope he gets on a team and does want he wants to do and loves it."

In Sunday's loss, Saints receiver Chris Olave suffered a concussion after taking a hard hit while trying to bring in a pass from Carr, leading to criticism from Thomas.

Thomas, who is currently a free agent, caught passes from Carr last season when he was in New Orleans. After a handful of injury-ridden seasons, Thomas had just 448 receiving yards and a touchdown, far from the numbers he put up from 2016 to 2019.

Carr explained that, despite what Thomas had to say, the play was executed as the Saints had drawn it up.

"It was single-high, the ball went to where we talked about it going and Chris got hit in the head, unfortunately," Carr said. "That happens in our game and I would never do it on purpose. I didn't throw him into a bad look... When it comes to the football aspect of it, I really don't have an answer for it."

Olave is New Orleans' leading receiver so far this season with 400 yards and a touchdown and led the team in receiver yards the past two seasons as well. Unfortunately for the Saints, they'll have to find production elsewhere until Olave is able to play.

After two blowout wins to start the year, the Saints have struggled, losing seven consecutive games. A loss to the Panthers could perhaps be rock bottom for New Orleans.