New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees is not quite 100 percent, but it appears he will still attempt to make his return this weekend against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Brees has not played since suffering multiple broken ribs and a collapsed lung against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 10. But he returned to practice this week, and ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Brees has been cleared to start against the defending Super Bowl champions.

Dianna Russini of ESPN reported Friday morning Brees is “closer to 85 to 90 percent” in terms of health. However, a source also told Russini the veteran signal-caller “can handle it.”

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It would not be a surprise to learn Brees has pushed the envelope a little bit.

Saints head coach Sean Payton had said all week the team would absolutely not rush Brees back into action or risk his long-term health. But Brees undoubtedly understands the importance of this game.

New Orleans fell to the No. 2 seed in the NFC after a stunning loss at the hands of the Philadelphia Eagles last weekend. The Green Bay Packers have the No. 1 seed given their tiebreaker advantage, and also have a very winnable game against the Carolina Panthers on Saturday.

Thus, it is critical for the Saints to get a win of their own to keep pace with the Packers. The No. 1 seeds are the only ones to get byes this year due to the expanded nature of the playoffs. Given last year's Wild Card disappointment, Brees and the Saints are likely to scratch and claw in an effort to get the top spot in the NFC.