One of the most discussed new NFL rules, the emergency quarterback , makes its first appearance in New Orleans. The New Orleans Saints have designated rookie passer Jake Haener as their emergency third quarterback for their matchup against the Carolina Panthers.
It is the first time this season the Saints have used the designation, which allows them to have Haener inactive, but available should injuries severely impact the position. Per the NFL's rules, the only way Haener would be able to take the field would be if both preceding signal callers Derek Carr and Jameis Winston were to leave the game because of injury.
New Orleans would not be able to call up Haener to the field for any reason other than health related concerns rendering the other two quarterbacks unavailable.
Many have wondered why the Saints had not previously used this roster mechanic throughout the season, but there are some sensible reasons. Firstly, the team has had their versatile playmaker Taysom Hill available throughout the year to fall back on should Carr and Winston suffer injury. Secondly, Haener served a six-game suspension to start the year due to a violation of the lead performance enhancing drug policy. That six-game departure made him unavailable to the team for seven weeks with a one-week roster exemption in tow of the suspension.
Neither are a reflection of Haener's early development as an NFL quarterback, but instead simply insurmountable circumstances for the former Fresno State passer. This week, with Hill inactive with foot and hand injuries, Haener gets the tag as the team's emergency third quarterback for the first time this year. Though the Saints are certainly hoping he will not take the field during the Week 14 matchup as it would mean catastrophe at the position ahead of him.
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