The New Orleans Saints have officially named their starting quarterback for Week 15, and it'll be Jake Haener stepping in for an injured Derek Carr.
Still, interim head coach Darren Rizzi won't be ruling out his veteran QB, with Carr still able to clear concussion protocol on Saturday in time for the game. Even if he's active, though, he'll still serve in a backup role as he works back from head and hand injuries. He's officially listed as doubtful.
Rizzi made his QB announcement on Friday, announcing that it'd be the second-year pro out of Fresno State instead of rookie Spencer Rattler.
"I feel like after going through the first couple days of the week ... and against this particular team and this particular gameplan, we feel like Jake gives us the best chance to win," Rizzi said. "Certainly no indictment at all against Spencer. I think Spencer is doing a great job. I think Spencer has a bright future ahead of him."
Here's how the Saints' injury report broke down on Friday.
LP = limited participation; FP = full participation; DNP = did not participate
- QB Derek Carr (left hand/concussion): DNP | DNP | DNP - doubtful
- LB D'Marco Jackson (ankle): DNP | DNP | DNP - out
- RB Alvin Kamara (illness): DNP | DNP | FP
- TE Juwan Johnson (foot): LP | LP | FP
- WR Bub Means (ankle): LP | DNP | DNP - out
- DE Tanoh Kpassagnon (achilles): FP | FP | FP - questionable
The only change on Friday was the return of Alvin Kamara, who had missed the first two practices of the week due to an illness. Rizzi said missing Thursday was out of an abundance of caution and there's no concern for AK's status.
WR Bub Means (ankle) and D'Marco Jackson (ankle) are the only players ruled out. One question the Saints will have to answer on Saturday is whether they want to activate defensive end Tanoh Kpassagnon to the active roster. He has reached the end of his 21-day practice window to return. If he's not activated this week he'll be done for the season.
Here's how Washington's injury report broke down on Friday.
- WR Noah Brown (kidney): DNP | DNP | DNP - out
- TE Zach Ertz (hamstring/rest): DNP | FP | FP
- DE Clelin Ferrell (knee/rest): DNP | LP | LP
- K Zane Gonzalez (left foot): LP | FP | FP - questionable
- S Quan Martin (shoulder): LP | LP | FP
- WR Jamison Crowder (calf): FP | FP | FP - questionable
- OLD Dante Fowler Jr. (groin): FP | FP | FP
- CB Noah Igbinoghene (thumb): FP | FP | FP
- CB Marshon Lattimore (hamstring): FP | FP | FP
- LB Jordan Magee (elbow): FP | FP | FP
- OT Andrew Wylie (concussion): FP | FP | FP
- DT Daron Payne (back): n/a | n/a | DNP - questionable
The Saints (5-8) host the Commanders (8-5) for a noon start at the Caesars Superdome in Week 15. Catch all the action on WWL and Audacy.
