The New Orleans Saints scratched out a 14-11 win over the New York Giants, but they’re walking away with another QB injury to monitor.
Saints QB Derek Carr was reported to be in the concussion protocol and feared to have suffered a fractured left hand, according to reports, after diving to finish a run in the 4th quarter.
Saints interim head coach Darren Rizzi didn’t have any updates on Carr’s status immediately after the game, but did note the "phenomenal effort" on the play.
"He’s just an unselfish player," Rizzi said, "diving over the top.”
The ball was marked short on the play and the Saints were unable to convert on a toss play to Kendre Miller, with backup Jake Haener taking the snap. Carr was down on the field for several minutes prior to that play and was led slowly over the blue injury tent where he was checked out before heading back to the locker room. Haener finished out the game but didn’t attempt a pass.
Carr finished the game 20-31 passing for 219 yards, a TD and an interception. He also logged 12 yards on two carries.
“That’s the true example of laying it on the line. He cares about his team a lot. said Saints TE Juwan Johnson, who was not on the field but saw the play happen directly in front of where he was standing on the sideline. “And I’ll always go to war with somebody who puts his body on the line like that.”
The Giants rallied from 11 points down in the 4th quarter and had a short field goal to tie the game in the final seconds that was blocked by Bryan Bresee to secure the result.
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Carr’s injury casts yet another shadow over a season that has featured a host of key injuries, setbacks, firings. Name a negative event, there’s a good chance it’s happened this season. It’s the second time Carr has left early in a game this season, previously going out in the second half of a loss to the Chiefs with an oblique injury that cost him three games.
It’s also the latest on a list of injuries suffered since joining the Saints. Last season he departed early against the Packers with an AC joint sprain, then after hard hits and concussion evaluations against the Vikings and Lions. The Saints lost all three of those games.
Carr’s status will be one to watch all week, as will the backup quarterback question. The Saints have operated all season with Haener in the gameday backup role, but when it came time to start a backup they turned to Spencer Rattler for three starts, all one-sided losses with scuffling offense. Haener finished two of those games.
The Saints are still mathematically alive in the postseason race and host the Washington Commanders (8-5) in Week 15, the team that currently owns the 7th and final playoff seed in the NFC race.