NEW ORLEANS — The Saints plan to start Jake Haener against the Washington Commanders if quarterback Derek Carr is ruled out, sources confirmed to ESPN on Thursday.
It would be Haener’s first career NFL start.
Carr is in the concussion protocol and fractured his non-throwing hand while attempting to leap for a first down in a win against the New York Giants on Sunday.
If Carr does not play, it would be the fourth game he has missed this season. He missed three games because of an oblique injury, and rookie Spencer Rattler started in his place.
Saints interim coach Darren Rizzi said Wednesday that he wanted to see both backups compete before he made a decision on a starter.
Rizzi has not ruled out Carr but said the quarterback needs to participate in a walkthrough at minimum to have a chance to play this weekend. Carr is also dealing with swelling in his hand and has not practiced all week.
NewOrleans.Football was first to report the news of the Saints’ plan to start Haener.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler contributed to this report.
