Saints, Chiefs preseason score: Derek Carr solid in short debut as New Orleans wins on walk-off field goal

The Saints' quarterbacks looked good in the victory

Derek Carr made his Saints debut in the team's preseason opener on Sunday and while he only played one drive, it was a solid look from the 32-year-old.

Carr went 6-for-8 with 70 yards and a touchdown as the Saints beat the Chiefs, 26-24. As New Orleans marched down the field, Carr connected with Michael Thomas for 16 yards, something we will likely be seeing a lot of this season. It's a welcome return for Thomas, who played only three games in 2022 and did not play in 2021 due to injury.

The Saints won on a walk-off 31-yard field goal from Blake Grupe in both teams' first preseason game. The Chiefs scored 24 unanswered points and were just over a minute away from the win, but a late Saints touchdown on an Ellis Merriweather catch from rookie QB Jake Haener and the game-winning field goal altered the result.

Patrick Mahomes played just one series, going 2 of 2 for 15 yards. Mahomes also scrambled for 5 yards, taking a bit of a hit as he slid ... nothing out of the ordinary, but for a preseason game, not something the K.C. sideline wanted to see.

Jameis Winston took over for a drive after Carr's touchdown pass and went 11-for-13 for 92 yards and one interception. He was sacked three times for a loss of 28 and had two carries for 14 yards. 

There was also an anticipated debut from Chiefs wide receiver Justyn Ross, who joined K.C. after going undrafted in 2022 and was placed injured reserve due to foot surgery and did not play at all last season. Ross, a top recruit when he went to Clemson, has looked good in camp, impressing Mahomes and others. He recorded two receptions for 29 yards and one touchdown.

Be sure to check out our live blog below to relive all the game's highlights:

[Aug 13, 2023 at 4:13 pm ET · Shanna McCarriston]

The Chiefs scored 24 unanswered points, but credit to the Saints who continued to fight until the very end. Simulating a game-winning kick is difficult in practice, since that added pressure is not there, so this was good experience for the regular season. 

[Aug 13, 2023 at 4:10 pm ET · Shanna McCarriston]

FINAL SCORE - Saints: 26, Chiefs 24

[Aug 13, 2023 at 4:10 pm ET · Shanna McCarriston]

FIELD GOAL: The Saints win the game with a 31-yard field goal from Grupe.

[Aug 13, 2023 at 4:07 pm ET · Shanna McCarriston]

INTERCEPTION: Saints' Kyle Phillips intercepts Chris Oladokun with just over one minute to play to give the Saints a chance to win the game. The Chiefs currently lead 24-23.