The New Orleans Saints have announced that rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler will take the helm against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this Sunday, as confirmed by head coach Dennis Allen on Wednesday. Rattler steps in for Derek Carr, who is sidelined due to an oblique strain suffered during the game against the Kansas City Chiefs. Allen noted that Carr’s comeback will be assessed on a “week-to-week” basis, and he will reclaim his starting position once fully recovered.
“Overall, I think he’s doing OK, but he’s disappointed that he can’t be out here,” Allen commented on Carr’s condition. “He’s a player who doesn’t often miss games and is frustrated by the situation.”
The Saints are facing a tight schedule with two games in five days, the first against Tampa Bay and the second on October 17 against the Denver Broncos for “Thursday Night Football.”
Rattler, who was drafted in the fifth round out of South Carolina, earned the starting job over second-year quarterback Jake Haener. Although Allen didn’t elaborate on the selection process, he emphasized that Rattler was deemed the best option for this particular match-up.
“We had extensive internal discussions and concluded that he would give us the best chance to win in this game,” Allen explained. “Both he and Jake have been preparing diligently, but we decided Rattler was the right choice for this week.”
Due to injuries, the Saints’ offensive line has undergone significant changes, impacting their starting center and right guard. Connor McGovern was signed off the Jets’ practice squad and filled in at center during the Chiefs game. Additionally, Landon Young has shifted from tackle to guard, and Lucas Patrick has played both center and guard positions.
Allen acknowledged that Rattler’s mobility is an asset in light of the current offensive line challenges. “There were numerous factors involved in our decision, and we felt his mobility was an advantage,” he stated.
Rattler possesses experience from his time at Oklahoma and South Carolina, despite being untested in the NFL. “He’s faced challenges and emerged stronger,” Allen added. “We’re excited about what he brings to the field, and it’s our responsibility as coaches to position him for success.”
At the start of the season, both Rattler and Haener were listed as the No. 2 quarterback, and Allen expressed that competition for the position would continue throughout the year. Rattler has been inactive as the team’s emergency third-string quarterback through five games, with Haener playing in well-contested victories and a loss against the Chiefs.
“We didn’t finalize our starter until this week,” Allen revealed. “While we were aware that we might need to make decisions regarding Derek’s absence, the conversations came to fruition only recently.”
Allen conveyed a commitment to nurturing Rattler’s potential while acknowledging the challenges of starting a rookie quarterback. “We’re giving him the opportunity to play. We’re not approaching this as a high-pressure situation; he’s simply the next man up,” he remarked. “We’ll prepare him and allow him to enjoy the game.”
In the preseason, Rattler completed 20 of 38 passes for 202 yards, one touchdown, and no interceptions, along with seven carries for 26 yards and a lost fumble.