With starting Saints quarterback Derek Carr dealing with a left-hand injury that will keep him out Sunday and potentially longer, second-year QB Jake Haener is getting the nod over rookie signal-caller Spencer Rattler. Haener will make the first start of his NFL career on Sunday against the Washington Commanders in New Orleans.
A 2023 fourth-round choice of the Saints, Haener has played in seven games this season, completing 14 of 29 passes (48.3%) for 177 yards, one touchdown, and no interceptions. A Fresno State star who earned Senior Bowl MVP Honors, Haener is now tasked with trying to get the Saints (5-8) in the win column against the Washington Commanders (8-5).
Rattler started three games earlier this season when Carr was injured and New Orleans went 0-3 during that stretch. That’s probably the reason why interim coach Darren Rizzi is opting to change things up …