Saints Face Uncertainty with Rattler at the Helm and Kamara’s Injury Looming Large
In the ever-dynamic world of the NFL, the New Orleans Saints find themselves at a crossroads as they prepare for their upcoming Monday night clash against the Green Bay Packers. The spotlight is firmly on rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler, who is set to start if veteran quarterback Derek Carr remains sidelined with a hand injury. Interim coach Darren Rizzi confirmed this development on Thursday, adding a layer of intrigue to the Saints’ quarterback situation.
Rattler’s performance in the second half of last week’s narrow 20-19 loss to the Washington Commanders has been a talking point. Rizzi praised the rookie for injecting energy into the team and orchestrating a late-game drive that nearly turned the tide. Initially, the Saints had opted for Jake Haener as the starter, but Rattler took over after halftime, showcasing his potential under pressure.
Adding to the Saints’ woes, star running back Alvin Kamara is grappling with a groin injury that appears more severe than initially thought. Rizzi revealed that Kamara’s condition is still under evaluation, with the possibility of it being a season-ending setback. The team is taking a cautious approach, labeling Kamara as “week-to-week,” but the outlook for his return on Monday is bleak.
Rizzi elaborated on the situation, stating, “The initial tests were, it wasn’t really going to be that bad and it’s just a little bit more significant, so a little bit more missed time.” The Saints are exploring various treatment options, hoping for a resolution that might see Kamara back before the season concludes.
Meanwhile, Derek Carr’s status remains a hot topic. Rizzi dismissed rumors of Carr being out for the season, emphasizing the quarterback’s determination to return. Carr is diligently rehabbing his fractured non-throwing hand, aiming for a comeback. “If he was done for the season, we would’ve put him on IR by now and we would’ve shut him down. It’s just not the case,” Rizzi asserted, highlighting Carr’s daily efforts and progress.
With only three regular-season games left and slim playoff hopes, the Saints are in a precarious position. Carr, currently wearing a hand brace, did not practice last week. Rizzi mentioned that a practice session on Saturday would be crucial for Carr’s potential return to action.
Rizzi also addressed concerns about an injury guarantee in Carr’s contract, clarifying that it is not a hindrance to his return. “I’m not speaking for [general manager] Mickey [Loomis] or [Owner Gayle] Benson, but I think if the organization was concerned about that, the easy thing to do would’ve been to shelve him for the year,” Rizzi explained, underscoring the team’s commitment to Carr’s recovery.
In a glimmer of positive news, the Saints have opened the 21-day practice window for wide receiver Chris Olave, who has been cleared to resume football activities. Olave, who suffered two concussions this season, has missed six games, including the last five. He has taken significant steps to ensure his safety, including switching to a safer helmet model.
Rizzi expressed his delight at Olave’s return, saying, “I’m super, super happy for Chris. It’s great news for him and so he resumed practice today. He was limited today. … Obviously he had significant time off, so we’re going to kind of take it step by step with him, but I couldn’t be happier for him and more as a person than a football player.”
- Spencer Rattler to start if Derek Carr is unavailable.
- Alvin Kamara’s groin injury could be season-ending.
- Chris Olave returns to practice after concussion protocol.
As the Saints navigate these challenges, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the team adapts and overcomes. The resilience of players like Rattler and the potential return of key figures like Carr and Olave could be pivotal in the Saints’ quest to finish the season on a high note.
Originally Written by: Katherine Terrell
