The New Orleans Saints may have finally found their franchise quarterback in the post-Drew Brees era—but it came at a cost that still hasn't healed two months later. Tyler Shough's impressive play down the stretch has given Saints fans hope, but a brutal injury from late in the season left a mark that he says looks like something straight out of a sci-fi horror classic.

Speaking on the Ross Tucker Football Podcast during Super Bowl LX festivities, Shough revealed the gruesome details behind the injury he sustained in Week 15 against the Carolina Panthers. "It was right there where you get hit 99% of the time," Shough said. "I don't know if you've seen the movie Alien, but it was like I had a little alien friend there. That was the one time I actually had to walk it off. It was hurting pretty bad." He added, "I still have a bruise from two months ago. It's still there; it's scarring."

The injury occurred late in the Saints' Week 15 victory over the Panthers. With the score tied 17-17 in the final minute, the Saints were driving on an eventual game-winning 62-yard march. Shough took off on a crucial run to pick up extra yardage and set up a manageable field goal attempt. But as he attempted to slide feet-first, Panthers rookie safety Lathan Ransom delivered a hit that left Shough with the nasty bruise. Ransom was flagged for a 15-yard unnecessary roughness penalty, moving the Saints into field goal range. Kicker Charlie Smyth later converted the eventual game-winning 47-yard field goal. Shough was visibly shaken after the hit and briefly entered the medical blue tent.

The gruesome nature of the injury didn't slow Shough down the following week. Against the New York Jets, he threw for 308 yards and a touchdown, leading the Saints to a dominant 29-6 victory. The performance came in the middle of a strong finish that has Saints fans believing they've found their answer under center. While Shough's bruise may still be healing, his confidence—and the team's future—looks as strong as ever.