METAIRIE, La. — Rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler of the New Orleans Saints is set to make his debut in the regular season this Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Rattler, a former standout at Phoenix Pinnacle High, will become one of only two starting quarterbacks in the NFL from Arizona, joining Brock Purdy of the San Francisco 49ers.
Rattler was highly regarded during his time at Pinnacle, where he was named the top pro-style quarterback and a top-10 overall prospect in the 2019 recruiting class. He initially committed to Oklahoma before transferring to South Carolina, where he started two seasons.
Saints head coach Dennis Allen made the decision to start Rattler following the confirmation that starting quarterback Derek Carr will miss at least one game due to a left oblique injury sustained during the Saints’ recent 26-13 defeat against Kansas City.
“We talked a lot internally about it and felt like in this particular game he was going to give us the best chance to win,” Allen stated. “He’s a rookie, so we acknowledge the challenges that come with that, but I think we have a solid plan for him.”
As a result, Rattler has moved to the top of the depth chart ahead of second-year pro Jake Haener. Haener completed two of eight passes for 17 yards this season and did not throw a touchdown or an interception while filling in for Carr.
Allen praised Rattler’s performance during his time as the scout team quarterback over the first five weeks of the season, noting his impressive plays against the Saints’ defense.
“He’s made some accurate throws and shown good mobility,” Allen remarked.
Rattler was selected by the Saints in the fifth round of the NFL draft after a successful college career that saw him start 12 games in his final season, throwing for 3,186 yards and 19 touchdowns.
Allen reassured Rattler that if he struggles initially, he won’t be pulled swiftly from the game. “You’ve got to let the guy go in there and play,” he added.
Rattler will be snapping the ball to new center Conner McGovern, who recently joined the team. McGovern stepped in after Shane Lemieux was placed on injured reserve, becoming the second center to do so this season, alongside Erik McCoy.
McGovern remarked on Rattler’s confidence and professional demeanor during their first practice session together. “You could tell he was playing with a lot of confidence. His huddle presence was really professional,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of swagger in a quarterback.
The Saints, currently at 2-3 and on a three-game losing streak, are preparing for a busy schedule with two games in five days, starting with the Buccaneers on Sunday followed by a matchup against Denver the following Thursday. Allen indicated that Rattler’s starting role will be evaluated on a week-to-week basis.