Derek Carr #4 of the New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints are no strangers to quarterback troubles this season, and it seems like the injury bug is showing no signs of relenting. After losing Taysom Hill to a season-ending torn ACL just a week ago, the Saints’ quarterback woes took another hit in their 14-11 win over the New York Giants on Sunday. Derek Carr, who has been the team’s starter since the beginning of the season, suffered a fracture in his non-throwing hand, leaving the Saints in yet another precarious situation at the game’s most important position.
Another Injury Blow to the Saints’ Quarterback Room
Carr’s injury occurred during a play in which he went airborne, attempting to extend a run and gain extra yardage. As he landed, his left hand took the brunt of the impact, resulting in the fracture. Sources told Ian Rapoport of NFL Network that the injury is feared to be a fracture in his left hand, which is particularly frustrating considering Carr’s already tumultuous season.
In Sunday’s game, Carr was performing well, completing 20 of 31 passes for 219 yards, including a touchdown and an interception. He also contributed 12 yards rushing on two attempts, including the play in which he was injured. Despite the physical setback, Carr remained in the game for a while before ultimately being replaced by rookie Jake Haener.
Haener Takes Over
With Carr sidelined, Jake Haener took over at quarterback. The undrafted rookie, who spent much of the season as the Saints’ backup, faced a tall task in relief. Haener had some moments but was clearly out of sync with the offense. While it’s uncertain how long Carr will be sidelined, Haener will be the next man up — a position the Saints are hoping will hold steady as they try to salvage what has been a challenging season.
Behind Haener on the depth chart is Spencer Rattler, who was signed by the Saints earlier this year. Rattler, a former star at Oklahoma, has limited experience at the NFL level, making Haener the clear next option for the Saints should Carr’s injury require a longer absence.
The Struggles Continue for the Saints
The Saints are now sitting at 5-8 on the season, already facing an uphill climb to remain in playoff contention. Carr himself missed three games earlier in the year due to an oblique injury, and during that stretch, both Haener and Rattler got opportunities to start. While the Saints managed to stay afloat during Carr’s previous absence, the team is now in dire straits as they once again look to fill the void at quarterback.
Adding to the complication is the recent loss of Taysom Hill. Hill, who has served as a do-it-all player for New Orleans, including quarterback duties in emergency situations, tore his ACL last week and will miss the remainder of the season. While Hill’s primary role was as a tight end this year, his versatility and past experience at quarterback made him a valuable backup option should things go sideways at the position.
What’s Next for the Saints?
With Carr’s status uncertain, the Saints face a critical crossroads in their season. While New Orleans’ defense has been serviceable and they still have offensive weapons like Chris Olave and Alvin Kamara, the quarterback situation is a glaring issue. The Saints’ playoff hopes are hanging by a thread, and how they respond to this latest setback could determine the future of the team heading into 2025.
The good news for New Orleans is that they are in a relatively weak NFC South division, with the Atlanta Falcons and Tampa Bay Buccaneers also struggling to string together consistent performances. But without Carr under center, the Saints will need to rely on their defense and run game to keep them in the mix. Haener, for his part, has a chance to show what he can do — but the reality is, the Saints need Carr back on the field as soon as possible if they are to have any hope of turning things around.
Conclusion: Another Blow to a Struggling Season
For the second week in a row, the Saints find themselves dealing with a major injury to their quarterback. Carr’s non-throwing hand fracture is another frustrating blow for the Saints, who were already operating without Taysom Hill as a backup. With the team’s playoff chances dwindling, the Saints are hoping for a speedy recovery from Carr, though the road ahead is uncertain. Haener will likely get the first crack at quarterback duties, but the lack of depth at the position has left the Saints in a precarious spot.
At 5-8, New Orleans’ playoff hopes are hanging by a thread, and whether Carr can return to action in time to make a difference will likely determine whether they can mount a late-season push. For now, the Saints’ quarterback drama continues, and with just a few weeks left in the season, the pressure is mounting for both the team and their signal-caller.
