NEW ORLEANS — The Saints placed quarterback Drew Brees on injured reserve Friday, meaning he’ll miss at least three games with rib injuries.

Brees was unable to finish last Sunday’s game after absorbing a heavy hit on a sack attempt by 287-pound San Francisco defensive tackle Kentavius Street, who was penalized for roughing on the play.

Street landed on the right side of Brees’ torso as the two went to the ground, and Brees was diagnosed Monday with rib fractures and a collapsed lung.

Brees, 41, has played efficiently this season for New Orleans, completing 73.5% of his passes for 2,196 yards and 18 touchdowns with three interceptions in eight-and-a-half games.