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Aug 10, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason NFL game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

New Orleans Saints Expected To Make Franchise-Altering Decision After Losing Derek Carr For Weeks

The New Orleans Saints are set to make a decision in Week 6 that could change the face of the franchise. The 2-3 Saints are preparing to play the 3-2 Tampa Bay Buccaneers at home.

Starting quarterback Derek Carr suffered an oblique injury during the Saints’ 26-13 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday night. The veteran said after the game that he was in pain and hinted that he could miss some time.

The New Orleans Saints have big worries in Week 6

Nov 12, 2023; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) runs the ball against the against the New York Jets during the first half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Nov 12, 2023; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) runs the ball against the the New York Jets during the first half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

On Tuesday, NFL Media reported Carr is expected to miss the next couple of weeks due to the oblique injury. Per Josina Anderson, the vague timeline offered doesn’t mean anything about the potential trade of Davante Adams to the Saints.

“Moreover, my understanding is that Carr’s recent injury does not necessarily impact New Orleans’ interest in continuing trade discussions for Davante Adams.” Anderson posted Tuesday afternoon on X. “The sentiment now is that interest is contingent on Adams’ current evaluations of his prospect teams given the outcome of Week 5 games.”

Carr’s status does have ramifications for the organization. Per Mike Garafolo, the Saints are expected to turn to rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler to start against the Buccaneers.

“More on the Saints’ QB situation: Rookie fifth-rounder Spencer Rattler is a strong candidate to get the start in Derek Carr’s absence, sources tell me and Ian Rapoport,” Garafolo posted on X. “With Drake Maye getting the ball for the Patriots, that would make five rookie QBs to get a start this year.”

Spencer Rattler could pose a threat to Derek Carr long-term

New Orleans Saints Spencer Rattler
May 11, 2024; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler (18) runs quarterback drills during the rookie minicamp at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

Rattler was a starter at Oklahoma before he was benched in favor of Caleb Williams. He transferred to South Carolina and had a strong end to his college career before the Saints drafted him in April.

Rattler was considered one of the best quarterbacks in the class of 2019. However, he had some maturing to do in college before he was ready to be a leader in the NFL.

Rattler was thought to perform well at practices in the offseason and training camp by multiple beat writers.

If Rattler plays well while Carr is out, the Saints could have a serious decision to make as to who would start for the Saints for the rest of the season.

Rattler was not asked to come in and play against the Chiefs after Carr exited the game. Jake Haener went 2-of-7 passing for 17 yards.

Oct 7, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (4) throws a pass against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
Oct 7, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (4) throws a pass against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images

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Follow me on Twitter at @JordanSig. You can also reach out to Jordan Sigler via email at jordanmsigler@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in college and NFL news, click here!

 

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About Jordan Sigler

Jordan Sigler is a sports journalist. He writes about sports for Wisconsin Sports Heroics, ChiCitySports, and Gridiron Heroics. His craft has been nationally syndicated for Yardbarker, MSN, and Bleacher Report.

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