The New Orleans Saints have found themselves in a difficult spot heading into Week 6 of the 2024 campaign, as they have a 2-3 record, and are set to be without their starting quarterback in Derek Carr for multiple weeks because of an oblique injury.
Carr left the Saints Week 5 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs early, with Jake Haener being summoned to come off the bench and finish the game out for New Orleans.
However, the Saints also have rookie fifth-round quarterback Spencer Rattler at their disposal, leading fans to wonder who would start in Carr’s absence. On Wednesday afternoon, New Orleans’ head coach Dennis Allen announced that Rattler will draw the start in Week 6 when they take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
This is a pretty big call from Allen, as Rattler has yet to throw a pass in an NFL game, and was passed over in favor of Haener to finish the game against the Chiefs.
Derek Carr and Spencer Rattler of the New Orleans Saints
© Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Rattler has quietly been developing behind the scenes, though, and New Orleans feels confident that he can competently lead their offense for however long Carr is out for.
There’s no doubt that the Saints will be hoping Carr can come back as soon as possible, but Rattler is going to be the guy leading New Orleans for the time being. In three preseason games, Rattler completed 52.6% (20-of-38) of his passes for 202 yards, one touchdown and zero interceptions
