Saints HC makes decision on QB1 between Jake Haener and Spencer Rattler to replace injured Derek Carr
The New Orleans Saints cannot catch a break. After losing Taysom Hill for the rest of the season in their 21-14 loss to the Los Angeles Rams in Week 13 due to a torn ACL, they have lost starting quarterback Derek Carr.
The veteran suffered a concussion and fractured his left hand on the same play in the fourth quarter of the Saints' 14-11 win over the New York Giants on Sunday. There was hope that he'd be functional enough to play against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, but he has been ruled out.
With Carr and Hill out, the presumption was that rookie Spencer Rattler, who has three appearances this season, would start against the Commanders. However, the Saints seemingly weren't impressed with what they saw and fielded sophomore quarterback Jake Haener under center.
Jake Haener stats: A look at the Saints QB's career so far
The Saints drafted Jake Haener in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL draft. The former Washington Huskies and Fresno State Bulldogs star started 29 games in college and threw for 9,120 yards and 68 touchdowns with 18 interceptions.
Haener didn't play a single snap in his rookie season but has played sporadically in his sophomore year. He replaced Derek Carr in the fourth quarter of the Saints' 47-10 win over the Carolina Panthers in Week 1 and threw his first NFL pass.
His next pass attempt came in Week 5 against the Kansas City Chiefs, where he was tasked with trying to lead a fourth-quarter comeback after Carr had exited the game due to an oblique injury. He completed two of his seven pass attempts for 17 yards.
Haener's next appearance came in the Saints' Week 7 loss to the Denver Broncos. He threw four passes and completed three for 38 yards. He had his heaviest workload in Week 8 against the Los Angeles Chargers, attempting 17 passes and connected with a receiver nine times for 122 yards.
Overall, the second-year quarterback has completed 14 of 29 pass attempts for 177 yards. He's yet to throw a touchdown pass but will have the opportunity to do that on Sunday against the Washington Commanders.