Saints Face Quarterback Dilemma as Rattler Prepares to Start Against Packers
In the heart of Metairie, Louisiana, the New Orleans Saints are gearing up for a crucial Monday night showdown against the Green Bay Packers. The spotlight is on rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler, who is set to start if veteran quarterback Derek Carr remains sidelined with a hand injury. This decision comes from interim coach Darren Rizzi, who announced the potential lineup change on Thursday.
Rizzi expressed confidence in Rattler, noting the rookie’s impressive performance in the second half of last week’s narrow 20-19 loss to the Washington Commanders. Rattler’s ability to lead the team down the field and score in the final two minutes was a highlight, and it seems to have earned him another opportunity to start. Initially, the Saints had opted for Jake Haener as their starter, but the switch to Rattler at halftime proved to be a game-changer.
Rattler is no stranger to stepping up in Carr’s absence, having already started three games earlier this season when Carr was out with an oblique injury. However, the Saints are facing more than just quarterback concerns. Star running back Alvin Kamara is also in doubt for the upcoming game due to a groin injury that appears more serious than initially thought. According to a source who spoke with ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Kamara’s injury is still under evaluation but could potentially end his season.
Rizzi described Kamara’s status as “week-to-week” but admitted that “it doesn’t look great” for his chances to play on Monday. “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,” Rizzi explained. The team is taking a cautious approach, considering multiple opinions and treatment options to determine the best path forward for Kamara.
Meanwhile, Rizzi addressed rumors about Carr’s potential season-ending status, firmly stating that “by no means is it a reach that he’ll be back at some point.” Carr is determined to return this season and has been diligently rehabbing his fractured non-throwing hand. Rizzi emphasized that if Carr were done for the season, the team would have placed him on IR by now. “He’s working his tail off every day. He’s frustrated by some of the reports,” Rizzi said, adding that Carr had one of his best days recently.
For Carr to return, functionality in his hand is crucial, especially with only three regular-season games left and the Saints’ playoff hopes dwindling. Carr, currently wearing a brace, did not practice last week, and Rizzi mentioned that a practice session on Saturday would be necessary for Carr to play.
“I appreciate and respect the fact that he wants to come back and play and so therefore that’s why this thing’s day-to-day, we’re not going to put him in harm’s way,” Rizzi stated. “We’re going to make sure that he’s able to go out there and function. That’s really what it comes down to right now.”
Rizzi also clarified that an injury guarantee in Carr’s contract is not hindering 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, put him on IR, let him get healthy, let him pass the physical,” Rizzi explained. The fact that Carr is not on IR and is eager to return suggests that contract concerns are not an issue.
In other news, the Saints have opened the 21-day practice window for wide receiver Chris Olave, who has been cleared to return to football activities. Olave was placed on IR in November after suffering two concussions this season. He has missed six games while in concussion protocol, including the last five, and has sought multiple opinions and specialists before making his return.
“I’m super, super happy for Chris,” Rizzi said. “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. Really, really excited about him. He was in a great mood today, all smiles.”
- Spencer Rattler to start if Derek Carr is out
- Alvin Kamara’s groin injury could be season-ending
- Chris Olave returns to practice after concussions
Originally Written by: Katherine Terrell
