Saints Rule Out Derek Carr, Jake Haener to Start Against Commanders
NEW ORLEANS — The New Orleans Saints are officially moving forward without their starting quarterback, Derek Carr, for Sunday’s matchup against the Washington Commanders. The team announced that Carr, who was previously listed as doubtful, will not suit up due to a left hand injury and his placement in concussion protocol earlier this week.
This marks yet another setback in what has been a challenging season for Carr. The veteran quarterback has already missed three games earlier this year due to an oblique injury, and now, this will be his fourth absence. In those previous games, rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler stepped in as the starter. However, this time around, the Saints are turning to second-year quarterback Jake Haener to lead the offense against Washington.
Coach Rizzi Provides Updates on Carr’s Status
Saints interim head coach Darren Rizzi shared some insight into Carr’s recovery process, noting that the quarterback is making progress in concussion protocol. According to Rizzi, Carr has only one step left to clear before being fully cleared to play. However, the team is still weighing its options regarding Carr’s role on Sunday.
“We’re not ruling Derek out for this game at the moment. We’ll kind of see how his hand is progressing, and it is improving,” Rizzi said during a press conference on Friday. “We can either make him the backup quarterback, have him active for the game, or make him the emergency third. If he’s functional and able to do that, that’s a possibility.”
While Carr’s status as a backup or emergency quarterback remains uncertain, the Saints have made it clear that Haener will get the starting nod. This will be a significant opportunity for the young quarterback to showcase his skills and potentially make a case for more playing time in the future.
Key Roster Moves Ahead of Sunday’s Game
In addition to the quarterback situation, the Saints also made a notable roster move on Friday. Defensive end Tanoh Kpassagnon has been activated off injured reserve and is set to make his season debut against the Commanders. Kpassagnon has been sidelined since the spring after suffering a torn Achilles, and his return is a welcome boost for the Saints’ defense.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the Saints’ key updates heading into Sunday:
- Derek Carr: Ruled out due to a left hand injury and concussion protocol. Status as a backup or emergency QB still undecided.
- Jake Haener: Named the starting quarterback for the game against Washington.
- Tanoh Kpassagnon: Activated off injured reserve and set to play his first game of the season.
What’s at Stake for the Saints?
With Carr sidelined, the Saints are facing a pivotal moment in their season. The team’s playoff hopes are still alive, but every game counts as they battle for positioning in the NFC. Haener’s performance will be under the microscope as fans and analysts alike look to see if the young quarterback can rise to the occasion.
Meanwhile, the return of Kpassagnon could provide a much-needed spark for the Saints’ defense. The defensive end’s ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks and disrupt plays in the backfield will be crucial as the Saints look to contain the Commanders’ offense.
As for Carr, his health remains the top priority. While the Saints would undoubtedly prefer to have their starting quarterback on the field, ensuring that he fully recovers from his injuries is essential for the team’s long-term success.
Looking Ahead
Sunday’s game against the Commanders will be a true test for the Saints as they navigate yet another week without their starting quarterback. All eyes will be on Jake Haener as he takes the reins of the offense, and fans will be eager to see how the team responds to this latest challenge.
For now, the Saints are focused on the task at hand: securing a win and keeping their playoff hopes alive. Whether Carr is on the sidelines as a backup or listed as the emergency third quarterback, his presence will undoubtedly be felt as the team rallies together in his absence.
Originally Written by: Mike Triplett
