With the New Orleans Saints in the middle of a three-game losing streak, they may soon be forced to make a change at quarterback.
During their 26-13 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday night, starting quarterback Derek Carr sustained an oblique injury in the fourth quarter.
“Not good,” Carr admitted during the postgame press conference when asked how he was feeling.
Jake Haener, a second-year quarterback from Fresno State, stepped in for Carr to finish the game. Haener completed just 2-of-7 passes for 17 yards during his brief time on the field. This marked the first regular-season game where Haener attempted more than one pass, with his most notable play being a mobile sidearm throw to Alvin Kamara that fell incomplete.
Almost an insane completion by Saints QB Jake Haener. Look at the arm angle. pic.twitter.com/l9dvoD8cTX
— Arye Pulli (@AryePulli) October 8, 2024
Earlier this season, Haener made a single pass attempt during the Saints’ 47-10 victory over the Carolina Panthers but did not complete it. He also didn’t see action in 2023 due to a six-game suspension for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing drug policy, losing $250,000 of his $750,000 rookie salary. In a statement, Haener said he was unsure how the substance entered his system, taking responsibility for the failed test.
“I would never knowingly cheat the game I love, but I take full responsibility for the failed test,” Haener wrote, apologizing to the Saints, his friends, and family. He expressed disappointment in being away from the team and a commitment to learn and grow from the experience.
Haener’s best preseason performance came on August 11 against the Arizona Cardinals, where he completed 9-of-13 passes for 107 yards.
The Saints traded up to draft Haener in the fourth round in 2023, recognizing his standout career at Fresno State, where he set a school record with a 68.1% completion rate. He famously led a dramatic comeback win over San Diego State in 2022, throwing two touchdowns in 13 seconds.
FRESNO STATE.
Jake Haener with 2 TDs in 13 seconds. pic.twitter.com/VCxHsN6lQ1
— Unnecessary Roughness (@UnnecRoughness) October 30, 2022
Spencer Rattler, a rookie fifth-round pick from the 2024 draft, serves as New Orleans’ third-string quarterback. Once a highly-touted prospect, Rattler was ranked as the nation’s top pro-style quarterback out of high school. He enjoyed three 3,000-yard passing seasons during his college career at Oklahoma and South Carolina. In preseason action, Rattler completed 20-of-38 passes for 202 yards, one touchdown, and no interceptions.
