The New Orleans Saints will start rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers due to Derek Carr’s oblique injury, which he sustained during the game against the Kansas City Chiefs. Head coach Dennis Allen mentioned that Carr’s status will be evaluated on a week-to-week basis, but Carr is expected to return to his starting role once healthy.
Allen acknowledged that Carr is frustrated about being sidelined, as he’s not accustomed to missing games. The team faces a quick turnaround, playing two games in five days, with the second matchup being against the Denver Broncos.
Rattler, a 2024 fifth-round draft pick from South Carolina, was chosen over second-year quarterback Jake Haener to start in Carr’s absence. Although Allen did not provide specific reasons for the decision, he said the team felt Rattler was the best option for this game.
Both Rattler and Haener had been preparing for this potential opportunity since the season began. The decision was made after internal discussions, with the coaching staff feeling that Rattler’s skill set gave them the best chance to win against Tampa Bay.
Injuries along the Saints’ offensive line have been a significant concern, impacting their protection schemes. The team has had to reshuffle players, with Connor McGovern stepping in as center after being signed from the Jets’ practice squad, and Landon Young and Lucas Patrick switching positions to cover for other injured starters.
Given these challenges, Rattler’s mobility and ability to escape pressure were key factors in Allen’s decision to start him. His ability to move around in the pocket may help offset the instability of the offensive line.
Allen highlighted Rattler’s resilience and experience during his time at Oklahoma and South Carolina, where he faced adversity and grew as a player. Despite having no NFL regular-season game experience, the coaching staff is confident in his abilities. Allen emphasized that the team would support Rattler by putting him in the best position to succeed. While Rattler has been inactive through the first five games of the season, he gained valuable experience during the preseason.
The Saints plan to let Rattler play without placing too much pressure on him, with Allen stating that they will not pull him from the game for minor mistakes. Instead, the focus is on giving him the opportunity to play and execute the skills he’s been trained for.
Rattler’s preseason performance saw him complete 52.6% of his passes for 202 yards, one touchdown, and no interceptions, while also showing some mobility with seven rushes for 26 yards. Despite the challenges of starting a rookie, the team remains optimistic about Rattler’s potential as he steps into the starting role.
