The New Orleans Saints are facing a significant challenge as quarterback Derek Carr is sidelined with an oblique injury, leaving him unavailable for the near future. The injury occurred during the team’s recent 26-13 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, a game in which Carr was forced to leave in the fourth quarter after taking a hard hit while attempting a pass. Reports indicate that he is likely to miss upcoming games against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Denver Broncos, although the exact duration of his absence remains uncertain. The Saints’ head coach, Dennis Allen, has confirmed that Carr sustained a “left side injury” and that he underwent an MRI to assess the situation further.
Carr has acknowledged that he aggravated his injury not from the direct hit but while trying to complete the pass amid an all-out blitz from the Chiefs. He expressed his frustration at not being able to execute the play as intended, highlighting the challenge of facing an aggressive defense. This unfortunate injury has resulted in Carr being replaced for the remainder of the game by Jake Haener, a second-year quarterback who had only previously thrown one pass this season. Haener’s performance in relief saw him complete 2 of 7 passes for a mere 17 yards, leading to concerns about the Saints’ offensive capabilities moving forward.
In light of Carr’s absence, the Saints are considering starting rookie Spencer Rattler. Rattler, who was drafted in the fifth round earlier this year, had a noteworthy collegiate career at South Carolina, throwing for over 3,186 yards and 19 touchdowns last season. If Rattler is given the opportunity to start against the Buccaneers, he would join the ranks of several other rookie quarterbacks making their debuts this season. However, it is essential to note that Rattler has yet to see game time in the NFL, creating uncertainty around how effectively he could lead the Saints’ offense.
Carr’s performance this season had seen him amass 989 passing yards, eight touchdowns, and four interceptions, which had helped guide the Saints to a disappointing 2-3 record. This record reflects a troubling trend, as the team has now lost three consecutive games after enjoying a strong start with two blowout victories to open the season. The Saints are searching for stability and a way to regain momentum in Carr’s absence as they look to recover from these recent losses.
Following the matchups against Tampa Bay and Denver, the Saints will have a 10-day break before facing the Los Angeles Chargers. This extended period could offer a potential opportunity for Carr’s recovery, assuming that there are no setbacks during his rehabilitation process. Both fans and the coaching staff will be keenly monitoring Carr’s progress, as his return could be crucial for re-establishing the team’s competitive edge in the upcoming weeks.
As the Saints navigate this difficult terrain without their starting quarterback, the upcoming games will test the depth of their roster and the adaptability of their game plan. The team’s ability to effectively manage Carr’s absence will be critical in determining their success as the season progresses, especially with their confidence shaken from a string of defeats. Ultimately, how the Saints perform during this critical juncture will significantly influence their playoff aspirations and overall direction as they strive for a successful season.