Saints announce quarterback move before Falcons matchup

"The New Orleans Saints have signed tight end Treyton Welch from the practice squad to the active roster and also elevated quarterback Jake Haener and running back Nyheim Miller-Hines to the active roster (standard elevations) for Sunday's game at the Atlanta Falcons," the Saints announced.

This move makes sense. Tyler Shough is expected to make his ninth start in the National Football League on Sunday. Shough popped up on the injury report throughout the week with what was designated as a hip injury, but he was a full participant throughout the week in practice.

On the flip side, backup quarterback Spencer Rattler also popped up in the injury report throughout the week with a right finger injury and didn't participate in practice from Wednesday through Friday.

Haener hasn't appeared in a game this season, and that trend likely will continue in Week 18. In 2024, Haener appeared in eight games, including one start. Over that stretch, he had 226 yards and one touchdown pass, while also throwing an interception.

Throughout the summer, Haener initially was in the quarterback competition with Shough and Rattler to be the team's starter, but it was quickly known that the job would not be his. He has spent the vast majority of the season on the Saints' practice squad but will at least get a shot with the team on Sunday. Shough will start and it would be surprising if Haener played, but it's nice for him to be active for Week 18.