The New Orleans Saints likely won't have their full contingent of quarterbacks on the field until at least the start of training camp.
That's because third-year pro Jake Haener suffered an oblique strain to close out Wednesday's OTA practice, according to a report from ESPN's Adam Schefter. The injury is expected to cost Haener multiple weeks, but he should be available for the start of training camp in July.
Haener suffered the injury while getting extra work in after practice, according to the report. The injury is not expected to require surgery.
If the injury sounds familiar, that's because Derek Carr also suffered an oblique issue during a Week loss to the Chiefs least season, with Haener taking over for the remainder of that game. Carr missed the next three weeks as Spencer Rattler took over as starter, but did return in Week 9.
If Haener's timeline is similar, that will wipe out opportunities to get on the field for the final two OTA sessions, as well as the team's mandatory minicamp in June. New Saints coach Kellen Moore was clear in mentioning Haener as part of a three-way quarterback competition heading into this season, along with Rattler and rookie second-round pick Tyler Shough.
The injury will also likely mean some increased throwing opportunities for UDFA Hunter Dekkers, whom the Saints signed after a tryout at rookie camp.
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For Haener, this will be the second consecutive camp dealing with medical issues as he battles for a significant role. In 2024 it was Haener and Rattler competing for the backup job when he learned of a surprise skin cancer diagnosis, though the treatment for that issue only cost him one practice.
Haener, a 4th round pick out of Fresno State in 2023, did appear to "win" the backup job and was in that role on the majority of gamedays behind Carr, but was bypassed in the starting role multiple times for the rookie. Haener finished three games in relief and was tapped as the starter once, but he was pulled from that game -- a loss to the Commanders -- at halftime.
The Saints kicked off the first of their three OTA sessions this week.