Dec 15, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA;  New Orleans Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler (18) scrambles against Washington Commanders defensive tackle Daron Payne (94) during the second half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

Saints plan to start Spencer Rattler at QB if Derek Carr is out

The New Orleans Saints likely will have a third starting quarterback in as many weeks on Monday.

Spencer Rattler is in line to draw the start if Derek Carr is ruled out as expected for the contest at Green Bay, Saints interim coach Darren Rizzi said on Thursday.

Carr hurt his left (non-throwing) hand in New Orleans’ 14-11 win over the New York Giants on Dec. 8. He sat out the Saints’ 20-19 defeat against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, and he didn’t practice on Thursday.

Rizzi said of Carr, “If he was done for the season, we would’ve put him on (injured reserve) by now and we would’ve shut him down. It’s just not the case. … He had one of his best days (Thursday), so as soon as he’s able to function and as soon as he’s able to go out there and get some functionality back in his hand, we’ll do that.”

Jake Haener got his first NFL start in Carr’s place against Washington and was pulled after completing just 4 of 10 passes for 49 yards with an interception.

Rattler took over and connected on 10 of 21 passes for 135 yards, hitting Foster Moreau for a 1-yard touchdown pass as time expired. His pass on the subsequent two-point-conversion attempt was incomplete, and the Saints lost.

When Carr was sidelined from Week 6 through Week 8, Rattler got the starts and lost all three contests while completing 59.6 percent of his passes for a total of 571 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions.

Also missing the Saints’ Thursday practice was running back Alvin Kamara, who has a groin ailment that leaves him doubtful for Monday, according to Rizzi. The coach listed Kamara’s status as week-to-week.

“The initial tests were, it wasn’t really going to be that bad, and it’s just a little bit more significant, so a little bit more missed time,” Rizzi said.

Kamara leads the Saints with 950 rushing yards, and he has six touchdowns on the ground this year.

The Saints (5-9) are still technically in the playoff race ahead of their Monday game against the Packers (10-4).

–Field Level Media

Dec 8, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (4) attempts to leap over New York Giants cornerback Adoree' Jackson (21) and safety Dane Belton (24) during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Report: Saints QB Derek Carr ‘very unlikely’ to return this season

New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr is considered very unlikely to return this season because of multiple fractures in his left hand, NFL Network reported on Tuesday.

The report comes one day after New Orleans interim coach Darren Rizzi said Carr wouldn’t be ruled out for Week 16, which is a trip to play the Green Bay Packers on Monday night. Carr also is not yet cleared from concussion protocol and didn’t play Sunday in a 20-19 loss to the Washington Commanders in which Spencer Rattler relieved Jake Haener and led four scoring drives in a near come-from-behind win.

The Saints (5-9) play Carr’s former team, the Las Vegas Raiders, on Dec. 29 in a Week 17 game in New Orleans and the 33-year-old quarterback is likely to be motivated to be on the field to face his previous employer.

Carr injured his non-throwing hand on Dec. 8 in a 14-11 win over the New York Giants. He was hurt attempting a head-first dive as a ballcarrier and used his left hand to brace his fall. Typical non-displaced fractures require at least four weeks to completely heal, but Carr could return with a soft cast if he gets the green light from team physicians. From the date of injury to kickoff in Green Bay is a span of 15 days.

Rizzi openly disagreed with a previous NFL Network report that Carr had suffered a “significant fracture” of his left hand. He said the day after the game in New York that “reports out there were a little bit false” on the extent of Carr’s injury.

Rizzi said Monday “it wouldn’t be a reach” for Carr to return to the field before the end of the season.

Carr suffered an oblique strain Oct. 7 in a Monday night loss to the Kansas City Chiefs and didn’t return until Nov. 3 at Carolina.

–Field Level Media

Dec 8, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (4) runs with the ball against the New York Giants during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Reports: Saints concerned over QB Derek Carr’s hand injury

New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr sustained a left hand injury and possible concussion in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s 14-11 victory over the New York Giants.

The Saints feared Carr fractured the hand, per reports, and he was slated to undergo further testing. He reportedly had a cast on the hand when exiting the stadium.

Saints interim coach Darren Rizzi said Carr may have to enter the concussion protocol.

Carr was injured when he tried to leap for a first down late in the final quarter. He was near the sideline and went airborne, landing hard on the left hand with this face then slamming into the turf as he landed out of bounds with 3:59 left in the game.

Jake Haener finished up the game for the Saints.

Carr completed 20 of 31 passes for 219 yards, one touchdown and one interception for New Orleans.

Overall, Carr has passed for 2,145 yards, 15 touchdowns and five interceptions this season. He missed three games earlier this season due to an oblique injury.

–Field Level Media

Oct 13, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA;  New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (4) looks on as he is sidelined with an injury during the second half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

Saints QB Derek Carr (oblique) formally inactive vs. Broncos

New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr is among his team’s inactives for Thursday night’s home game against the Denver Broncos.

Carr (oblique) is missing his second straight game. He was listed as doubtful to play.

Denver star cornerback Patrick Surtain II (concussion) is among the Broncos’ inactives. His chances of playing were bleak after being hurt four days earlier against the Los Angeles Chargers.

Also inactive for Denver (3-3) were cornerback Kris Abrams-Draine, outside linebacker Dondrea Tillman, defensive lineman Eyioma Uwazurike, offensive tackle Alex Palczewski and tight end Greg Dulcich. Zach Wilson is denoted as the emergency third quarterback.

Offensive tackle Mike McGlinchey (knee), linebacker Baron Browning (foot) and cornerback Damarri Mathis (ankle) were activated off injured reserve for the game.

Receiver Chris Olave (concussion) and tight end Tayson Hill (ribs) are among the other inactives for New Orleans (2-4). Also on the list are running back Jordan Mims, offensive lineman Cesar Ruiz, defensive tackle Khalen Saunders and linebacker Pete Werner.

Rookie Spencer Rattler is making his second career start in place of Carr. Rattler was intercepted twice while throwing for 243 yards and one touchdown in his debut, a 51-27 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last Sunday.

–Field Level Media

Aug 25, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA;  New Orleans Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler (18) reacts to passing a touchdown against the Tennessee Titans during the first half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

Saints rookie QB Spencer Rattler to start vs. Buccaneers

Rookie Spencer Rattler will start at quarterback when the New Orleans Saints host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, coach Dennis Allen said Wednesday.

Rattler will start in place of Derek Carr, who is expected to miss multiple weeks after sustaining an oblique injury in Monday’s 26-13 loss to the host Kansas City Chiefs.

Rattler was selected in the fifth round of April’s draft. The contest will mark his NFL debut.

The Saints chose Rattler over Jake Haener, who was the backup that replaced Carr on Monday.

“We talked a lot as a staff about what we felt like was the best thing for us and give us the best chance to win the game,” Allen told reporters. “That was the decision that we made and we’re excited about him getting an opportunity to go in there and we’ll let him go play and see what he can do.”

Rattler, 24, passed for 10,807 yards, 77 touchdowns and 32 interceptions in five college seasons — three at Oklahoma (2019-21) and two at South Carolina (2022-23).

Haener, 25, was a fourth-round pick by the Saints in 2023. He passed for 9,120 yards, 68 touchdowns and 18 interceptions in four on-field seasons for Washington (2018) and Fresno State (2020-22).

Haener has seen action in three games, including the loss to Kansas City, and has completed 2 of 8 passes for 17 yards.

Carr, 33, has passed for 989 yards, eight touchdowns and four interceptions this season, his second in New Orleans. He was a four-time Pro Bowl selection during nine seasons with the Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders.

–Field Level Media

Aug 4, 2022; Canton, Ohio, USA; Las Vegas Raiders receiver Davante Adams (left) and quarterback Derek Carr run before the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Saints QB Derek Carr craves reunion with Davante Adams

New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr and Las Vegas Raiders receiver Davante Adams have twice been teammates during their respective football careers.

Carr said Thursday that he would welcome a third opportunity if Adams has truly been placed on the trade block by the Raiders. Adams reportedly wants to be traded to a team in which he already knows the quarterback.

Carr and New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers fit that bill.

“I think all 32 (starting) quarterbacks would love to play with Davante. We would welcome that,” Carr told reporters. “I don’t know if I can get in trouble for saying that. I just think everyone kind of knows that …

“I think everyone would love to play with ‘Tay.’ I would obviously welcome playing with him again if that ever worked out in our careers.”

Carr and Adams were college teammates at Fresno State for two seasons (2012-13) when Adams caught 233 passes for 3,031 yards and 38 touchdowns. The Bulldogs went 20-6 during those campaigns.

They were reunited in 2022 with the Raiders, a season that turned out to be Carr’s ninth and final one with the organization. Adams had 100 receptions for 1,516 yards and 14 touchdowns despite Carr being benched for the final two contests after Las Vegas was saddled with a 6-9 record.

“I think it was like the second-best year of his career,” Carr said of Adams’ 2022 production. “The narrative that it didn’t work out is correct because we didn’t win as many games. But when it comes to getting him the ball and him scoring a lot of touchdowns, I think it went pretty good.”

Adams also has a lot history with Rodgers. They were teammates with the Green Bay Packers from 2014-21 when Adams received five of his six Pro Bowl nods.

Carr said his family takes vacations with Adams and his family.

Carr also said he spoke to Adams this week but that the two didn’t discuss the trade speculation.

This season, Adams has 18 receptions for 209 yards and one touchdown in three games this season. He missed last week’s game against the Cleveland Browns. He also is expected to sit out this week against the Denver Broncos after missing practices on Wednesday and Thursday.

–Field Level Media

Jan 7, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA;  New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (4) reacts to a touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons during the first half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

Saints begin annual cap-clearing with QB Derek Carr restructure

New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr agreed to restructure his contract to convert more than $28 million of his scheduled $30 million salary to a bonus, creating sorely needed salary cap relief.

The details of the accounting were confirmed by Spotrac, which projected the Saints to be over the $246 million adjusted salary cap by more than $74 million before the conversion.

The annual salary-gap gymnastics are a matter of course in New Orleans, where it has become typical to reach the required maximum expenditure threshold with extensions and conversions before the NFL league year begins every March.

Carr, 32, signed a four-year, $150 million contract in March 2023 after he was released by the Las Vegas Raiders. His scheduled cap hit for 2024 before the restructure becomes official was $36 million and included a portion of his deferred signing bonus.

–Field Level Media

Dec 3, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (4) talks to quarterback Taysom Hill (7) against the Detroit Lions during the first half at the Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

Saints QB Derek Carr (concussion) limited in practice

New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr was a limited practice participant on Wednesday, just three days after sustaining his second concussion of the season.

Carr remains in concussion protocol and would have to be cleared by an independent neurologist before he could be available for Sunday’s game against the Carolina Panthers.

Carr also is listed with injuries to his ribs and right shoulder on the team’s injury report.

Saints coach Dennis Allen said that Carr will be re-evaluated throughout the week.

Carr’s concussion in Sunday’s game against the Detroit Lions came three weeks after he sustained one against the Minnesota Vikings on Nov. 12.

Carr didn’t miss a game following the first one, partly because New Orleans had a bye the following week.

If Carr can’t play this week, Jameis Winston will be the starting quarterback.

In five games this season, Winston has completed 53.2 percent of his passes for 264 yards and two touchdowns with three interceptions.

Carr has thrown for 2,761 yards, 11 touchdowns and six interceptions in 12 games for New Orleans (5-7).

The Saints listed 15 players on their Wednesday injury report, including seven who sat out the session. Reserve quarterback Taysom Hill (foot, left hand) was among those who sat out.

The others were running back Kendre Miller (ankle), receiver Rashid Shaheed (thigh), and defensive ends Isaiah Foskey (quadriceps) and Cameron Jordan (ankle). Defensive tackle Malcolm Roach (knee) and safety Marcus Maye (shoulder) were placed on injured reserve Wednesday.

–Field Level Media

Dec 3, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (4) talks to quarterback Taysom Hill (7) against the Detroit Lions during the first half at the Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

Saints QB Derek Carr in concussion protocol again

New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr exited Sunday’s 33-28 loss to the visiting Detroit Lions due to a concussion as well as shoulder and back injuries.

The Saints placed Carr in concussion protocol for the second time this season. He also was in the protocol after being hurt in a Week 10 game against the Minnesota Vikings.

New Orleans coach Dennis Allen said he wasn’t sure if Carr’s concussion was serious.

“I don’t know that,” Allen said. “He’s going in for evaluation on a couple of different things but he’s in the concussion protocol.”

Carr was injured when he took a hit from Detroit pass rusher Bruce Irvin. He stayed on the ground as team medical personnel examined him. A cart was pulled up but Carr eventually walked to the medical tent on his own power then later walked to the locker room.

Carr completed 17 of 22 passes for 226 yards, one touchdowns and one interception before exiting.

Jameis Winston complete 2 of 5 passes for 41 yards and Taysom Hill threw two incompletions for the Saints.

–Field Level Media

Nov 12, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (4) is carted off the field against the Minnesota Vikings in the third quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

Saints QB Derek Carr (concussion, shoulder) exits vs. Vikings

New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr exited Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings with a concussion and injured throwing shoulder.

Carr was injured late in the third quarter when he took a low hit from Minnesota’s Jaquelin Roy and a fierce high hit from Danielle Hunter. After being examined in the medical tent, Carr was taken from the field in a cart.

Saints coach Dennis Allen said afterward that it was the concussion that knocked Carr out of the game.

Jameis Winston finished the 27-19 loss as the quarterback.

This is the second time this season Carr left a game early with right shoulder issues. He sprained the AC joint and was taken to a hospital in Week 3 against the Green Bay Packers. Carr played the following week.

Carr was 13 of 18 for 110 yards before exiting.

Winston entered with the Saints down 27-3 and was 13-of-25 passing for 122 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions.

Receiver Michael Thomas (knee) and cornerback Marshon Lattimore (ankle) also left the contest with injuries.

Thomas was arrested Friday on charges of simple battery and criminal mischief. He was released and flew with the team Saturday to Minnesota.

The Saints (5-5) have a bye in Week 11.

–Field Level Media