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by Bradley Handwerger / Eyewitness Sports

Posted on December 30, 2009 at 6:37 PM

Updated today at 9:11 PM
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METAIRIE, La. – As soon as Jay Cutler’s pass was firmly in the hands of his Chicago teammate Devin Aromashodu in the end zone Monday night, only one thought immediately flashed into the minds of Saints fans world wide.

Will he or won’t he play, the he in this equation being Saints’ quarterback Drew Brees.

That touchdown pass from Cutler to Aromashodu sealed the No. 1 seed for New Orleans (13-2), who earned home-field advantage throughout the playoffs with the Minnesota loss to Chicago.

And with the No. 1 seed secured, New Orleans’ game against Carolina (7-8) became meaningless.

Hence, the question about Brees’ playing status.

“I’m going to do whatever I’m told,” Brees said Wednesday. “We’re all planning to play. Obviously the mindset is to try to put our best game together and win this game.”

That decision is ultimately up to Head Coach Sean Payton, who must weigh playing Brees and letting him try to keep his season rhythm before the bye week or resting him so as not to allow him the chance to get injured.

Backup quarterback Mark Brunell already knows he’s going to play. He just doesn’t know how much time or how many snaps.

The 17-year veteran has played in every game this season and the place-holder on all kicks, but has only played at quarterback in two games – against the Giants on Oct. 18 and against Tampa Bay on Nov. 22.

Additionally, he has thrown only one pass, that coming on a fake field goal attempt against Atlanta on Dec. 13. The pass fell incomplete.

So the experience will be invaluable, if only to knock the rust off of Brunell.

“As much as you can get in there, any guy in a supporting role, if you can get some live reps, get some game time, that’s great,” Brunell said. “Down the road, you don’t know when you’re number is called and the more you can get on the field, it’s valuable. No question.”

Payton wouldn’t tip his hand as to who will or won’t play against Carolina. But he did say the option exists to rest a few players who aren’t injured.

For what it’s worth, Brees wants to play, though he understands that myriad of reasons to keep him out of this game.

“Whatever decision is made, I’m fine with because I know it’s in the best interest of the team,” Brees said.

And if he does get in, will take extra precautions to not get hurt?

Nope.

“You always go in with the mentality that you can’t worry about that,” Brees said. “It’s not even the thought. I’m going 100 miles an hour until if or when they potentially take me out or not.”

Saints don't say whether Brees will or won't play against Carolina | wwltv.com | Sports

Everyone is entitled to be stupid, but some abuse the privilege.

All little common sense goes a long way.