The New Orleans Saints likely have a decision to make at quarterback between Jake Haener and Spencer Rattler if Derek Carr misses time with a significant hand injury.
If you ask the Cajun Cannon Bobby Hebert, the decision is simple.
"This is what I would do, because the Saints ain’t going nowhere: I would let Haener play, let him start, because you know, Spencer Rattler had the opportunity to start," Hebert said on WWL this week. " ... I would let Haener play to see if he has any future, and then, now, do you take advantage of that opportunity? If not, then you’re going in a different direction."
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It would seem like a simple decision, considering Haener has been the gameday backup all season. But when Carr missed three games it was Rattler getting the starting nod for three weeks. The Saints went 0-3 and it was Haener finishing out the latter two games.
WWL's Mike Detillier agrees that it's time to see what the second-year pro out of Fresno State has to offer.
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"As far as talent, there ain’t no question, Spencer Rattler is the more talented passer, athlete, everything about Jake Haener, but you gave Spencer an opportunity," Detillier said, "now if Derek Carr can’t play, give Haener his opportunity."
The Saints have kept the door open for Carr playing despite a fractured left hand and concussion suffered during a Week 14 win over the Giants. Interim head coach Darren Rizzi said the decision would come down to practice and how each player looked, with both young QBs expected to get reps throughout the week.
The Saints (5-8) host the Washington Commanders (8-5) for a noon kickoff at the Caesars Superdome in Week 15. Catch all the action on WWL and Audacy.