Report: Carr unlikely to return this season

While the team has been leaving the door open for a potential return, it’s looking more and more like New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr’s season may be over. 

Per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Carr received additional examinations that have dictated that he is “at least a few weeks away from being able to withstand contact.”

Interim head coach Darren Rizzi has called Carr “week-to-week” and “day-to-day” over the last couple of weeks since the injury took place. 

But if the further testing is showing that Carr is weeks away from just being able to take on contact, with only three weeks remaining in the season, it’s likely we’ve seen the last of the veteran passer in 2024. 

Now the question becomes which young quarterback will be the starter the rest of the way. Second-year quarterback Jake Haener received his first start last week but was benched after a rough first start. Rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler went 0-3 in his three starts earlier in the year but commanded a furious comeback and near victory against the Washington Commanders. 

The Saints could decide they want to see more of Haener, but it sure feels like this could be Rattler’s team the rest of the way.

A return to Rattler could provide some valuable information for the future of the team.