Drew Brees blasts Thursday Night Football after Saints injuries

Add Drew Brees to the growing list of NFL players calling for a swift end to Thursday Night Football.

After watching six of his Saints teammates leave Thursday’s 20-17 loss to the Falcons with injuries, the quarterback blasted the quick turnaround that follows a Sunday game and all the risks that come with it.

"It's 100 percent a product of playing on Thursday night," Brees said of the injuries. "Do you understand what guys' bodies go through in a game? And then to have to turn around four days later and to play? Look at the injury studies: They're off the charts. They're off the charts. So is this smart as it pertains to guys' health and safety? No, absolutely not."

Three days’ rest between games has been unpopular among players for years, but the chorus of opposition has grown louder this season.

Last month, Seahawks wide receiver Doug Balwan said Thursday Night Football should be “illegal” after Seattle teammate Richard Sherman suffered a season-ending ruptured Achilles in a Thursday game on Nov. 9.

Bills guard Richie Incognito called the scheduling “completely unfair” and “bulls--t” following a loss to the Jets.

And Jets receiver Jermaine Kearse, a friend and former teammate of Sherman’s, said there needs to be a discussion about the issue.

Brees, a former longtime players’ union leader, was asked Thursday if he plans to draw attention to the problem.

“Yeah, absolutely,” he said, per ESPN. “And it’ll be addressed.”

The Saints lost both rookie running back Alvin Kamara and guard Senio Kelemete to concussions in Atlanta. Linebacker A.J. Klein, safety Kenny Vaccaro, defensive end Trey Hendrickson and receiver Ted Ginn Jr. also exited with various injuries.

Saints coach Sean Payton was also asked why he thinks there were so many injuries in the game. Though he didn't respond directly, his frustration was clear.

"What do you guys think? Seriously, speak up," Payton said. "What do you guys think? Why do you think there were so many injuries tonight? Anyone?"