New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees is making positive strides on his way to recovering from 11 rib fractures and a punctured lung. However, while Brees is eligible to come off the team's injured reserve list now, he's unlikely to return this weekend against the Philadelphia Eagles, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

Instead, Brees's realistic return will be the Week 15 showdown against the mighty Kansas City Chiefs on Dec. 20. While there was some hope Brees could return this weekend, he's not doing much in practice Wednesday, a sign he probably won't play.

The 13-time Pro Bowler had been already dealing with injuries when he was finally pulled from the Saints' Week 10 game against the San Francisco 49ers. The Saints managed to stave off any comeback attempt by the 49ers despite not having their starting quarterback at the helm, with the game going to their favor in a 27-13 victory.

While Jameis Winston took over for Drew Brees in that game, Saints head coach Sean Payton then decided to go with Taysom Hill as the starting quarterback. The decision has paid off, with Hill delivering some solid performances and a 3-0 record thus far as the starter.

The Saints' most recent victory came at the expense of the Atlanta Falcons in Week 13. Hill threw touchdown passes to wide receiver Tre'Quan Smith and tight end Jared Cook, marking the first touchdown throws of his career. The New Orleans defense also stood tall when it mattered the most, which helped them earn a 21-16 victory.

With Hill continuing to deliver under center, the Saints can still buy time for Drew Brees' complete recovery as the team heads to the crucial stages of the season, especially with a matchup against the struggling Eagles on deck. Assuming Brees does indeed sit out, Hill will try to make it 10 wins in a row for New Orleans.