Saints’ QB Jake Haener Suspended for Violating NFL’s Drug Rules

New Orleans Saints’ new quarterback, Jake Haener, is on suspension without pay for violating the NFL’s rules of using performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs), as reported by Katherine Terrell of ESPN.

Suspension Details

Haener, picked in the fourth round from Fresno State in 2023, won’t be playing in the season’s first six games. He is to return to the team on October 16, but he will lose $250,000 of his $750,000 salary due to the suspension.

Haener’s Response

Haener said on social media, “I found out I used a substance not allowed by the NFL earlier this summer. I don’t know how it got in my body because none of my supplements or medicines have this banned stuff. I would never try to cheat at the game I love, but I have to take full blame for my failed test. I’m sorry to the Saints, my friends, and my family for any trouble this might cause. I’m sad I can’t be with the team for a few weeks, but I’ll learn from this and come back as soon as I can.”

Team Training and Player Suspension

Haener trained with the team on Wednesday before they informed him about his suspension. He is the second Saints player to receive a suspension at the start of the season. Running back Alvin Kamara was the first, as he to got a three-game suspension for violating the league’s personal conduct rules.

Quarterback Ranking and Taysom Hill’s Role

Haener initially held the third-string quarterback position for the Saints, trailing behind Derek Carr and Jameis Winston. However, going into Week 1, he found himself listed as the fourth-string due to the Saints’ decision to change Taysom Hill’s position from tight end to quarterback. Coach Dennis Allen said this wasn’t a big deal and was more of an administrative change. He further explained that Taysom Hill had spent a lot of time playing quarterback last year, so it made sense for him to be listed as a quarterback again.