NFL Rumors: Saints' Derek Carr Out 'Multiple Games' with Injury; Rattler Could Start
October 8, 2024
New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr is reportedly expected to miss "multiple games" due to an oblique injury suffered during the fourth quarter of his team's 26-13 road loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday.
Mike Garafolo @MikeGarafoloDerek Carr is as competitive as they come, so he'll push to play. But the thought is the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Saints?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Saints</a>, doctors and athletic training staff will take the decision out of his hands, as his oblique injury is significant. <a href="https://t.co/shwCcwRVI8">https://t.co/shwCcwRVI8</a>
As Mike Garafolo of NFL Network noted, that would mean Carr sits for the Saints' next two matchups (both home) against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday and the Denver Broncos on Thursday, Oct. 17.
Carr went to the blue medical tent before leaving for the locker room on Monday. Backup Jake Haener replaced him during the tail end of the Chiefs game, but rookie Spencer Rattler may get the call instead, per Garafolo.
Mike Garafolo @MikeGarafoloMore on the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Saints?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Saints</a>' QB situation: Rookie fifth-rounder Spencer Rattler is a strong candidate to get the start in Derek Carr's absence, sources tell me and <a href="https://twitter.com/RapSheet?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RapSheet</a>. <br><br>With Drake Maye getting the ball for the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Patriots?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Patriots</a>, that would make five rookie QBs to get a start this year. <a href="https://t.co/QCk6CvxS8x">pic.twitter.com/QCk6CvxS8x</a>
The Saints started the season 2-0 after defeating the Carolina Panthers and Dallas Cowboys by a combined 91-29 score but have lost three straight since.
Either Haener or Rattler has a tall task ahead to help stop the Saints' losing streak, but neither player has made a start before.
Haener joined the Saints after being selected in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL draft out of Fresno State. The 25-year-old got his first extended action against the Chiefs, completing 2-of-7 passes for 17 yards and rushing for 11 more yards on two carries.
Rattler, 24, a 2024 fourth-round pick out of South Carolina, has never played an NFL regular-season game.
Both got time during the preseason. Haener completed 24-of-43 passes for 270 yards (no touchdowns or interceptions). He also rushed for 11 yards on three attempts.
Rattler connected on 20-of-38 passes for 202 yards and one score. He ran for 26 yards on seven attempts.
Either signal-caller would have solid talent to work with, though, namely running back Alvin Kamara and wide receiver Chris Olave and Rasheed Shaheed. The offensive line also has done a good job keeping the quarterback clean, allowing just five sacks on Carr in five games.
Ultimately, Sunday is a big game for the Saints no matter who starts as the Buccaneers are tied for first place in the NFC South with the Atlanta Falcons at 3-2. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET in New Orleans.