Saints to Start Jake Haener at QB Against Commanders With Derek Carr Injured

Haener will make his first NFL start as Carr recovers from a hand injury and concussion, while New Orleans fights to keep slim playoff hopes alive.

Derek Carr is sidelined with a fractured left hand and concussion sustained during last Sunday's win against the Giants, leaving him unable to practice this week.
Jake Haener, a second-year quarterback and 2023 fourth-round draft pick, has been named the starter over rookie Spencer Rattler for the Saints' game against the 8-5 Washington Commanders.
Haener has appeared in seven games this season, completing 14 of 29 passes for 177 yards and one touchdown, but this will be his first NFL start.
Rattler previously started three games this season during Carr's absence but struggled, with the Saints losing all three contests and scoring just 45 total points in those games.
The Saints, currently 5-8, are clinging to narrow playoff hopes and need a win against Washington, a team in the NFC playoff picture with one of the league's top pass defenses.