Saints interim coach Darren Rizzi has not shared any clear decision about who will play quarterback for New Orleans against Washington on Sunday.
Rizzi said on Wednesday that there is still a possibility that Derek Carr could pass the concussion protocol and be healthy enough to play despite his injured non-throwing left hand.
Meanwhile, backup quarterbacks Jake Haener and Spencer Rattler took turns working with the first team during Wednesday’s practice, which Carr missed, according to Rizzi.
“We’re not going to name a starter right now,” Rizzi said. He also mentioned that Carr would not be placed on the injured reserve list and would not need surgery. “We’re going to see how that progression plays out, first with Derek and then obviously with Jake and Spencer.”
Carr got injured while attempting to dive for a first down during last Sunday’s 14-11 win over the New York Giants. He has already missed three starts this season due to a separate oblique injury. The Saints lost all three of those games, with Rattler, a rookie, starting, and Haener, a second-year player, backing him up.
In his three starts, Rattler completed 59 out of 99 passes (59.6%) for 571 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. Haener has played briefly this season, completing 14 out of 29 passes (48.3%) for 177 yards and one touchdown without an interception.
Rizzi said he thinks Haener, who is 6-foot-1, and Rattler, who is 6 feet tall, are “very similar in a lot of ways.” He added that whoever plays between them “doesn’t change a whole bunch” in terms of how the game will be planned.
“They’re both similar-size guys. Their athletic ability is very similar,” Rizzi said. “They’re similar-style quarterbacks. We’re not dealing with opposites on the spectrum.”
The Saints also signed quarterback Ben DiNucci this week to take scout team snaps in practice, as Rattler and Haener are less available to do so while competing for a chance to start if Carr cannot play.
The Saints (5-8) have won three of their last four games since Rizzi took over as head coach after Dennis Allen was fired. This has kept New Orleans in the race for the NFC South Division, which is currently led by Tampa Bay (7-6).
Rizzi said Carr has not had any setbacks this week as he works through the concussion protocol.
“By the end of the week, if he’s not able to get any reps in any form or fashion, then obviously we’ll go with one of the other guys,” Rizzi said.
