NEW ORLEANS – The Saints plan to start Jake Haener against the Washington Commanders if starting quarterback Derek Carr is unable to participate in the game, sources confirmed to ESPN on Thursday.
Haener would thus obtain the first start of his career.
Carr entered the concussion protocol in addition to fracturing his left hand while trying to get a first down in the victory against the New York Giants last Sunday.
If Carr doesn’t play, it will be the fourth game he’ll miss this season. He missed three games with an oblique injury and it was rookie forward Spencer Rattler who got the start in his place.
Saints interim coach Darren Rizzi said Wednesday he wants to see the two backups compete in practice before making a decision on a starter.
He didn’t rule Carr out, but he said the quarterback needs to at least participate in one practice if he wants to have a chance to play this week. There was also talk of swelling in Carr’s hand, who hasn’t practiced all week.
