Saints make surprising quarterback decision for Week 6

Jan 2, 2022; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; The New Orleans Saints logo on the field before their game against the Carolina Panthers at the Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

The New Orleans Saints have made a somewhat surprising decision on their quarterback for Week 6.

Saints coach Dennis Allen announced Wednesday that rookie Spencer Rattler will start in Week 6 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Rattler gets the nod in place of Derek Carr, who will be sidelined with an oblique injury.

Allen said the Saints believe Rattler gives the team its best chance of winning right now.

Dennis Allen on Spencer Rattler starting on Sunday for the #Saints pic.twitter.com/ecEtRyMNiP

— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) October 9, 2024

When Carr left Monday’s loss late with the injury, Jake Haener replaced him. The immediate assumption was that Haener might simply bump up to the starting role, but the Saints clearly want to see what Rattler can do.

Rattler fell to the Saints in the fifth round of April’s NFL Draft, and there was some modest chatter about character concerns being a factor.

Rattler posted three 3,000-yard passing seasons in college, once at Oklahoma and twice with South Carolina, though he never threw for more than 28 touchdowns in a season.