METAIRIE, La. — New Orleans Saints rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler is set to make his debut in the regular season NFL on Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Rattler, a standout from Phoenix Pinnacle High, will join Brock Purdy from the San Francisco 49ers as the only starting quarterbacks in the league who played high school football in Arizona. Rated by 247 Sports as the top pro-style quarterback and a top-10 overall recruit in the 2019 class, Rattler signed with Oklahoma before transferring to South Carolina.
Saints coach Dennis Allen announced Rattler as the starting quarterback for this week after confirming that the regular starter, Derek Carr, will be sidelined with a left oblique injury sustained during the fourth quarter of New Orleans’ 26-13 loss to Kansas City on Monday night.
“We talked about it internally and felt he would give us the best chance to win in this game,” Allen said. “He’s a rookie, so there will be challenges, but we have a solid plan for him.”
As a result of this decision, Rattler, 24, moves ahead of second-year quarterback Jake Haener on the depth chart. Haener, 25, stepped in after Carr’s injury in Kansas City and has played in two earlier victories this season. He has attempted only eight passes, completing two for a total of 17 yards, with no touchdowns or interceptions.
Allen acknowledged Rattler’s potential, noting his strong performance on the scout team during the season’s first five weeks. “He’s made some accurate throws, and his mobility has been impressive,” Allen said.
Selected by the Saints in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL draft from South Carolina, Rattler started for two seasons after moving from Oklahoma. In his final college season, he threw for 3,186 yards and 19 touchdowns in 12 games.
Allen reassured Rattler that he wouldn’t be pulled quickly for mistakes as he begins the game. “We want him to go in there and play. We’re not looking to substitute him out if he makes a mistake,” he stated.
Rattler’s center will be Conner McGovern, an experienced player recently acquired by the Saints. McGovern made his debut on Monday, filling in for Shane Lemieux, who joins Erik McCoy on injured reserve due to ankle and groin injuries, respectively. The two had their first practice snap together during a light walkthrough on Wednesday.
“Rattler was focused and exuded confidence. His presence in the huddle was very professional,” said McGovern, highlighting the necessary confidence a quarterback must have.
The Saints, currently at 2-3 and on a three-game losing streak, face a challenging schedule with two games in five days, starting with Sunday’s encounter with the Buccaneers, followed by a visit from Denver the following Thursday. Allen acknowledged this timeline might extend Carr’s absence. “We’re focusing on this week and will assess the situation after that,” he concluded.