Updated

METAIRIE, La. (AP) -- Drew Brees will be sidelined for New Orleans' game at Carolina on Sunday, Saints coach Sean Payton said Friday.

The star quarterback is battling a bruised rotator cuff in his right (throwing) shoulder. Payton said the velocity on Brees' passes is not what he needs, so Luke McCown will start for the Saints, who have dropped their first two games. It will be McCown's first start since joining New Orleans in 2013.

Brees was hurt on a hit in the second quarter of last Sunday's 26-19 loss at home to Tampa Bay. He never left the game, finishing 24 of 38 for 255 yards and one touchdown.