The New Orleans Saints will likely have to rely on backup quarterbacks for the rest of the 2024 season as Derek Carr remains unlikely to return to the lineup.
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According to a report by NFL insider Ian Rapoport, "sources informed of the situation" say that the veteran quarterback is a few weeks away from being able to withstand contact on the hand that he fractured in two places.
The expectation is that Carr is unlikely to return considering that the Saints only have three games remaining. The NFC South team is 5-9, third in the division, and out of playoff contention.
Interim head coach Darren Rizzi has not ruled out Carr for any of these games, however. He told media members on Monday that he will wait to name a starter for Week 16's primetime matchup against the Green Bay Packers.
The former Fresno State quarterback injured his hand during a Dec. 8 game against the Giants. He scrambled toward the sideline on fourth down before diving toward the first-down marker. Carr fractured his hand upon landing back on the ground. He also sustained a concussion on the play.
If Carr is unable to return to the lineup as sources indicate, his second season in New Orleans will end after only 10 starts and a 5-5 record. The veteran previously exited the Week 5 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs with an oblique injury and then missed three games.
With Carr out of the lineup, the Saints will have two options as quarterback moving forward. Jake Haener started last weekend's game against the Commanders. The Saints benched him at halftime after the offense only generated 38 net yards.
Spencer Rattler, who went 0-3 in place of Carr earlier this season, took over the offense for the second half. He threw for 135 yards and one touchdown. He led four scoring drives as the Saints nearly upset the Commanders. The Saints only fell short after the final two-point conversion attempt failed.
