Injury forces Saints quarterback Carr to retire

New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr has retired following a shoulder injury, the team said on Saturday.

The Saints said Carr had suffered a labral tear and degenerative damage to his throwing shoulder and had opted to retire in the "best interests" of the team.

The 34-year-old four-time Pro-Bowler had not played since fracturing his hand and suffering a concussion in a game against the New York Giants in early December.

"I've decided to retire from the National Football League," Carr said in a statement. "For more than 11 years, we have been incredibly blessed, and we are forever grateful and humbled by this experience. 

"It's difficult to find the right words to express our thanks to all the teammates, coaches, management, ownership, team officials and especially the fans who made this journey so special."

The Saints said Carr had noticed pain in his right shoulder while working his way back from injury. A scan revealed damage to his labrum and rotator cuff.

The team said surgery had been considered, but with no guarantee Carr would be able to regain full fitness after going under the knife, the quarterback had opted to retire.

rcw/ea