The Carolina Panthers are scheduled to play a seasoned quarterback for the first time in 2015 this week. They'll face a veteran on Sunday, but it may not be the one with a Super Bowl ring.

According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, Saints quarterback Drew Brees has a shoulder injury that could cost him "several games." But ESPN reported Brees' status will depend on treatment and Pro Football Talk expects the confusion to continue through the week.

The backups for the 0-2 Saints are Luke McCown and third-round pick Garrett Grayson.

When asked on Monday if he's seen a different Brees on film, Panthers coach Ron Rivera avoided giving a direct answer.

"More so than anything else, they still do what they do. You see the same route combinations, you still receivers running the same routes and same guys out there," Rivera said. "Right now it's working into a rhythm. They're a young football team and they've had a lot of change over the last two seasons."

The only start Brees has missed in 10 seasons with the Saints was the 2009 regular-season finale in Charlotte. With New Orleans resting its starters ahead of the playoffs, Mark Brunnell lost to the Panthers and Matt Moore, whose lone touchdown pass that chilly day went to Dwayne Jarrett.

Including one win when he was with the Chargers, Brees is 9-9 in his career against Carolina.

If Brees can't play Sunday, the Saints would like go with McCown over the inexperienced Grayson. McCown has made nine career starts, but none since 2011.

Despite the rough beginning to his year, Brees would still be the Panthers' toughest opposing quarterback during the first quarter of the season. Instead, Blake Bortles may be the most experienced starter they'll have had to face.