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Saints Name Starting Quarterback After Losing Derek Carr To Injury

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated Dec 13, 2024 3:21 PM ET

With Derek Carr less than 100 percent, the New Orleans Saints will be rolling with a different quarterback this Sunday against the Washington Commanders.

Carr left last Sunday's game against the New York Giants with two injuries. They occurred as he was trying to pick up a first down late in the fourth quarter. Since he's not an option to start, Saints interim coach Darren Rizzi has to go with Jake Haener or Spencer Rattler. Moments ago, he announced his decision.

Rizzi told reporters Friday afternoon that Haener will start this Sunday. It'll be the first start of his young career.

What's interesting is that Rizzi said Carr could potentially be the backup quarterback this weekend. Apparently, the veteran signal-caller is making progress in concussion protocol. That's not the only hurdle he'll have to overcome though since he's battling a hand injury.

Haener has appeared in several games this season, completing 48.3 percent of his passes for 177 yards and a touchdown. The bulk of his pass attempts came on Oct. 27 against the Los Angeles Chargers.

It's interesting that Rizzi went with Haener over Rattler. When Carr got hurt earlier this season, former Saints head coach Dennis Allen named Rattler his starting quarterback. The rookie from South Carolina completed 59.6 percent of his passes for 571 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions. They lost all three games with him under center.

Perhaps the Saints want to see what Haener is capable of in a starting role. It's also possible they believe he gives them the best option to win.

Oddsmakers aren't feeling very good about the Haener-led Saints. They're a seven-point underdog heading into this weekend.

Kickoff for the Commanders-Saints game is at 1 p.m. ET.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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