Saints Turn to Rookie Jake Haener as Derek Carr Faces Uncertainty
NEW ORLEANS — The New Orleans Saints are preparing for a potential shake-up under center as they gear up to face the Washington Commanders this weekend. According to a source who spoke with ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Saints plan to start rookie quarterback Jake Haener if veteran starter Derek Carr is unable to play. This would mark Haener’s first career start in the NFL, a moment that could define the trajectory of his young career.
The uncertainty surrounding Carr stems from a series of injuries he sustained during last Sunday’s victory over the New York Giants. Carr is currently in the league’s concussion protocol and is also dealing with a fractured non-throwing hand. The injury occurred when Carr attempted to leap for a first down, a gutsy play that unfortunately came at a cost. Adding to the challenge, Carr has not practiced all week and is reportedly dealing with swelling in his hand.
Rizzi Weighs His Options
Interim head coach Darren Rizzi has not officially ruled Carr out for the game but made it clear that the veteran quarterback would need to participate in at least a walkthrough to have any chance of suiting up. “We’re taking it day by day,” Rizzi said on Wednesday, emphasizing the importance of evaluating all options before making a final decision.
If Carr is unable to play, it will mark the fourth game he has missed this season. Earlier in the year, Carr was sidelined for three games due to an oblique injury, during which rookie Spencer Rattler stepped in as the starter. This time, however, the Saints appear ready to give Haener the nod, signaling a potential shift in their approach to managing the quarterback position.
What We Know About Jake Haener
For Saints fans, the prospect of seeing Jake Haener take the field is both exciting and nerve-wracking. The rookie quarterback has yet to take a snap in a regular-season game, making this a high-stakes debut. Haener, a fourth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, impressed during the preseason with his poise and accuracy, but the regular season is an entirely different beast. Can he rise to the occasion against a Commanders defense that has shown flashes of dominance this year?
Key Points to Watch
- Derek Carr’s Status: Carr’s availability remains the biggest question mark. If he can’t go, how will the Saints’ offense adjust to Haener under center?
- Haener’s First Start: All eyes will be on the rookie quarterback. How will he handle the pressure of his first NFL start?
- Coaching Decisions: Rizzi’s choice to start Haener over Rattler is a bold move. Will it pay off?
NewOrleans.Football was the first to report the Saints’ plan to start Haener, and the news has already sparked plenty of discussion among fans and analysts alike. Some see this as a golden opportunity for the rookie to prove himself, while others worry about the risks of throwing an untested player into the fire.
Looking Ahead
The Saints are currently in the thick of the playoff race, making every game crucial as the season winds down. With Carr’s status up in the air, the team will need to rally around Haener—or whoever ends up starting—to keep their postseason hopes alive. The Commanders, meanwhile, will be looking to capitalize on the Saints’ uncertainty and secure a much-needed win of their own.
One thing is certain: Sunday’s game will be a must-watch for Saints fans and NFL enthusiasts alike. Whether it’s Carr making a miraculous recovery or Haener stepping into the spotlight, the stakes couldn’t be higher for New Orleans. Stay tuned, because this one has all the makings of a dramatic showdown.
Originally Written by: Jeremy Fowler
