Drew Brees shoulder injury day to day

Drew Brees' status remained uncertain Thursday as the New Orleans Saints prepare for their game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday.

Saints coach Sean Payton told reporters that the quarterback's shoulder injury appears to be day to day. He also indicated that Brees wouldn't play without throwing in practice sometime this week in preparation for the game.

The 36-year-old Brees did not attempt any passes during Wednesday's practice.

"He felt pretty good," Payton said of Brees. "It's not going to reveal itself right away because we're keeping it from happening. It's really more of us paying attention to, 'Hey, where's it at today now?' ... It may be a little in the week before we know for sure."

Brees said Wednesday that he's hoping to play Sunday in Charlotte. But if he's unable to go, Luke McCown is waiting in the wings to start in his place.

"Just from a pride standpoint, I don't want to miss a game," Brees said. "I want to be there for my team ... I want to play, but this is one of those injuries where you have to be smart."