Just before Week 4, New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees said he could beat the six-week timetable for his return after undergoing thumb surgery. A week later, he posted a video of himself throwing a football on Instagram — just 20 days after suffering the injury.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3QO7f1ne9V/?igshid=rfdns248uiyz

Brees doesn't appear 100%, as he is flexing after each throw. However, the video — and his ability to grip the ball — suggests that the Hall of Fame-bound quarterback will be back sooner than expected.

New Orleans faces the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, followed by the Jacksonville Jaguars, Chicago Bears and Arizona Cardinals before a Week 9 bye. If Brees is out for the entire expected six weeks, he would be back for the Cardinals game. However, the recent development gives a shot to an appearance against the Bears, and, possibly the Jaguars.

Brees injured his thumb in a Week 2 loss to the Los Angeles Rams after his throwing thumb hit Aaron Donald's hand. The 40-year-old quarterback chose to undergo surgery to repair ligaments in the thumb, which will allow him to rehab and return at a faster rate.

Until Brees comes back, Teddy Bridgewater is the starter in Nola. Since taking over as the starter, the 26-year-old has given both the Seattle Seahawks and Dallas Cowboys their lone losses of the season. In his two games as a starter, Bridgewater has gone 42 for 57 for 370 yards, two touchdowns and an interception.

Though Bridgewater is holding down the fort well, it should be obvious that the Saints are itching for Brees' return.