Injury thins out Saints QB competition

Haener "is expected to be ready for the start of training camp," when he'll play catch-up to 2025 second-round pick Tyler Shough and 2024 fifth-rounder Spencer Rattler.

Haener, selected in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, is the veteran of the group but entered the offseason quarterback competition as a long shot to win the starting gig.

His oblique injury might completely knock him out of the race, but it certainly gives Shough and Rattler another leg up.

They'll receive the bulk of the snaps at quarterback during the team's final seven offseason workouts and three-day mandatory minicamp. Undrafted free agent Hunter Dekkers, who signed on May 14, could see an uptick in reps.

New Orleans began OTAs on Tuesday, and they continue sporadically through June 5 before the team's mandatory minicamp from June 10-12. (h/t NFL.com)

Shough and Rattler will begin forming on-field connections with Saints skill-position players in first-year head coach Kellen Moore's offensive scheme, and that chemistry will be vital to determining who enters Week 1 leading the first-team offense.

Last year, Haener appeared in eight games (one start) and didn't do much in limited passing opportunities. He ended the 2024 season 18-of-39 (46.2 percent) for 226 yards (5.8 yards per attempt), one touchdown and one interception. He was also sacked six times, losing 55 yards.

Rattler struggled, too, going 130-of-228 (57 percent) for 1,317 yards (5.8 yards per attempt), four touchdowns and five interceptions in seven games (six starts).

Shough, who turns 26 in September, might be the likeliest option to win the job. The former seven-year college veteran started 12 games at Louisville in 2024, going 244-of-389 (62.7 percent) for 3,195 yards (8.2 yards per attempt), 23 touchdowns and six interceptions.

For a team that wanted to cultivate a competitive atmosphere this summer, it can't afford more injuries at quarterback. The last thing New Orleans needs is one of its candidates to be named the starting quarterback by default.