Spencer Rattler has been pressured on 39.9% of his dropbacks this season, which would be the 4th-highest rate among qualified quarterbacks.

Preparing for another start

Saints interim head coach Darren Rizzi said Tuesday that Rattler will continue to take reps with the first team in practice and will be in line to start Sunday against the Raiders if Derek Carr (hand) is unable to play, Ross Jackson of WWL Louisiana reports.

Analysis: Though the left hand fracture that Carr sustained in a Week 14 win over the Giants had been viewed as something that would likely end his season, the veteran quarterback isn't closing the door on returning to the field for either of the Saints' final two games. That said, Rizzi didn't provide any indication that Carr would be ready to practice when the Saints begin Week 17 prep Wednesday, so Rattler still looks to be headed for a second straight start and his fifth of the season. The Saints…read more

Pedestrian numbers in loss

Rattler completed 15 of 30 passes for 153 yards with no touchdowns and one interception and added five rushes for 28 yards in the Saints' 34-0 loss to the Packers on Monday night. He also lost a fumble.

Analysis: Rattler unsurprisingly struggled in the frigid temperatures of Lambeau Field, but he hung tough while taking three sacks overall. He did give up the ball on one of those takedowns and did so in Packers territory, but the miscue didn't lead to any points for Green Bay. Rattler's other turnover on the night, a late third-quarter interception, likewise was followed by a Packers punt, but it had more opportunity cost associated with it considering it came at the Packers' two-yard line. While…read more

Officially starting for Carr

Rattler will start Monday at Green Bay due to Derek Carr (left hand) ruled out for the contest, Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football reports.

Analysis: Interim coach Darren Rizzi implied as much Thursday but still left the door open for Carr to prove his health as the week went on. However, Carr hasn't made enough progress in his recovery, allowing Rattler his fourth career start. In five appearances overall in his rookie campaign, Rattler has completed 69 of 120 passes (57.5 percent) for 706 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions, recorded nine carries for 61 yards and committed three fumbles (two lost). Jake Haener will serve as…read more

Will start if Carr can't

Rattler will start Monday's game against the Saints if Derek Carr (hand) doesn't play, ESPN.com's Katherine Terrell reports.

Analysis: Reports suggest Carr is unlikely to play again this season, but Saints coach Darren Rizzi sees it differently, telling reporters that he hopes to get Carr "back here by the end of the year." Rizzi did acknowledge Carr is unlikely to play Monday, leaving Rattler as the probable starter and Jake Haener as the backup. There's a chance Rizzi makes that official Friday if Carr misses another practice.

Could draw Week 16 start

Saints head coach Darren Rizzi announced Thursday that Rattler will start versus the Packers on Monday if Derek Carr (hand) is unavailable, Ross Jackson of WWL Louisiana reports.

Analysis: Rattler logged a solid showing after replacing Jake Haener under center during New Orleans' loss to Washington in Week 15, completing 10 of 21 passes for 135 yards and one touchdown, including a near last-second comeback. At this stage, Carr's Week 16 status is iffy, with Mike Triplett of NewOrleans.Football relaying that Rizzi indicated that the veteran QB would probably have to get in a practice by Saturday in order to play Monday.

Likely to take over as starter

Rattler is expected to start Monday's game against the Packers with Derek Carr (hand/concussion) likely to miss the rest of the season, John Hendrix of SI.com reports.

Analysis: Coming out of the Saints' Week 14 win over the Giants, Carr entered the concussion protocol and was also diagnosed with two fractures in his non-throwing hand. The latter injury is viewed as the greater concern and prevented him from playing in this past Sunday's 20-19 loss to the Commanders. Jake Haener drew the start for that contest but completed four of 10 pass attempts for 49 yards and an interception while taking three sacks before being benched at halftime in favor of Rattler. The rookie…read more

Nearly leads comeback win Week 15

Rattler completed 10 of 21 passes for 135 yards and one touchdown during Sunday's 20-19 loss versus the Commanders.

Analysis: Rattler took over under center to begin the third quarter after starting quarterback Jake Haener completed just four passes in the first half. The latter signal-caller got the start with Derek Carr sidelined by a concussion and hand fracture that he suffered during last week's win against the Giants. After being held scoreless in the first half, the Saints went on four scoring drives with Rattler and nearly pulled off a comeback after he threw a one-yard touchdown pass to Foster Moreau as time…read more

Likely No. 2 QB in Week 15

Rattler appears to be set to operate as the No. 2 quarterback behind starter Jake Haener on Sunday versus the Commanders, Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football reports.

Analysis: Rattler will handle backup duties as Haener will draw his first start of the year, stepping in for injured starter Derek Carr (head/hand) in Week 15. Rattler has completed 59 of 99 passes this season for 571 yards and a touchdown while throwing an interception over three games, and he'll be the next man up Sunday against Washington if Haener suffers an injury during the contest.

In mix for Week 15 start

Saints interim head coach Darren Rizzi said Wednesday that he'll likely wait until Friday to choose between Rattler, Jake Haener and Derek Carr (head/hand) as the starting quarterback for Sunday's game at Green Bay, Mike Triplett of NewOrleans.Football reports.

Analysis: Rattler was the emergency No. 3 quarterback for Sunday's 14-11 win over the Giants, while Haener replaced Carr after the 33-year-old suffered a concussion and a left hand fracture. The combination of injuries makes Carr a longshot to play Week 15, but the Saints aren't ready to rule him out yet and reportedly don't plan to place him on injured reserve. Rattler and Haener shared practice reps Wednesday, suggesting it's not a lock that Haener starts if Carr is inactive. Rattler made three starts…read more

Emergency QB for Week 14

Rattler (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Giants.

Analysis: Rattler will serve as the Saints' emergency quarterback for Week 14 behind starter Derek Carr and backup Jake Haener. Rattler will only see the field Sunday if both Carr and Haener were to leave the game due to injury.

Available as emergency QB

Rattler (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Rams.

Analysis: The 2024 fifth-round pick will serve as the emergency QB for the third straight game. Starter Derek Carr and backup Jake Haener would have to be injured and/or unavailable for Rattler to see action.

Emergency QB for Week 11

Rattler (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Browns.

Analysis: For a second straight game, Rattler will serve as the Saints' third emergency quarterback. That means he will only be allowed to see the field Sunday if both starter Derek Carr and backup Jake Haener leave the game due to injury.

Healthy scratch Sunday

Rattler (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's game in Carolina.

Analysis: After starting three contests in place of Derek Carr (oblique), Rattler will relinquish control of the offense to the former, while Jake Haener will serve as the backup quarterback. Rattler will only see action Week 9 if both Carr and Haener leave the contest due to injury.

Pulled early in loss

Rattler was 12-for-24 passing for 156 yards during Sunday's 26-8 loss against the Chargers.

Analysis: Rattler remained ineffective during his third consecutive start in place of injured QB1 Derek Carr (oblique). The rookie signal-caller's longest completion was a screen pass that running back Alvin Kamara took 37 yards in the second quarter. Rattler was eventually benched when the Saints were down 16-5 midway through the third quarter, leaving Jake Haener to finish out the game under center. Carr is expected to be back for next week's game versus Charlotte. Even if the Saints' QB1 is not…read more

Logs full practice Wednesday

Rattler (hip) practiced fully Wednesday.

Analysis: Almost a week removed from sustaining a hip pointer last Thursday against the Broncos, Rattler was able to handle a full allotment of practice reps to begin Week 8 prep. His full workout comes on the heels of head coach Dennis Allen stating that Rattler likely will start Sunday's game at the Chargers, with Derek Carr still in recovery mode from an oblique injury, per Luke Johnson of The New Orleans Times-Picayune. Rattler thus should get the nod over fellow quarterback Jake Haener, after the…read more

Likely starting again Sunday

Head coach Dennis Allen said Wednesday that Rattler (hip) likely will be the Saints' starting quarterback Sunday at the Chargers, Luke Johnson of The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.

Analysis: Derek Carr, who has been sidelined the last two games due to an oblique injury, took part in throwing sessions Monday and Tuesday, which seemingly were helpful in determining where he stood in his recovery. As of Wednesday, Allen doesn't believe Carr will be ready for Week 8 action, setting Rattler up for a third start in a row. Rattler emerged from last Thursday's to the Broncos with a hip pointer, but the issue won't stop him from being available this weekend. In his first two career starts,…read more

Will start Week 8 if Carr can't go

Saints head coach Dennis Allen said Monday that Rattler (hip) will start Sunday's game against the Chargers if Derek Carr (oblique) remains sidelined, Ross Jackson of WWL Louisiana reports.

Analysis: Rattler was forced out of last Thursday's 33-10 loss to the Broncos late in the fourth quarter due to a hip pointer, but it doesn't sound like the injury is a real threat to keep him sidelined Week 8. Despite the rookie fifth-round pick's miserable performance versus Denver in which he logged just 4.9 yards per attempt and lost two fumbles, Rattler seems slated to retain a grip on the No. 1 role until such time as Carr is cleared to retake the field.

Sidelined late by hip pointer

Rattler exited Thursday's 33-10 loss to the Broncos late in the fourth quarter due to a hip pointer, John Hendrix of SI.com reports.

Analysis: New Orleans' was missing several skill-position players and offensive linemen, but Rattler still turned in a very poor performance by averaging 4.9 yards per attempt while turning the ball over twice. He exited late in the blowout loss, though that decision seemed to come primarily out of precaution. Nevertheless, his practice status leading up to a Week 8 matchup against the Chargers will be worth monitoring, as Derek Carr (oblique) continues to nurse an injury of his own.

Impressive in NFL debut

Rattler completed 22 of 40 passes for 243 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions in the Saints' 51-27 loss to the Buccaneers on Sunday. He also rushed four times for 27 yards and fumbled once but recovered.

Analysis: The rookie fifth-round pick did not look out of his element despite facing a veteran defense with aggressive tendencies. Rattler recorded his first touchdown pass via a 10-yard strike to Bub Means just before the midway point of the second quarter, and he continued battling throughout the game despite the game eventually getting away from New Orleans. Reports earlier Sunday indicated Derek Carr (oblique) could be down for up to four games, so Rattler projects for another start Thursday night at…read more

Could have 3-to-4 week trial

The Saints expect Rattler to start for up to the next four games while Derek Carr (oblique) is out, Jay Glazer reported on Fox NFL Sunday.

Analysis: Earlier the Saints suggested that Carr was a week-to-week proposition, so this report just gives a little more clarity to that timeframe.

Named Week 6 starter

Saints head coach Dennis Allen announced Wednesday that Rattler will start Sunday's game against Tampa Bay, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Analysis: Though Rattler was inactive as the Saints' emergency No. 3 quarterback for each of the first five weeks, he'll get the starting nod over Jake Haener, who operated as the top backup behind Derek Carr (oblique) in each of those contests. With Carr expected to miss multiple games, Rattler has a big opportunity ahead of him, starting with a home game against a struggling Bucs defense. The rookie fifth-round pick out of South Carolina drew praise from the Saints' coaching staff during training camp,…read more

Could start for injured Carr

Rattler is viewed as a "strong candidate" to start Sunday against the Buccaneers with Derek Carr (oblique) expected to miss multiple games, Mike Garafolo and Ian Rapoport of NFL Network report.

Analysis: A rookie fifth-round pick out of South Carolina, Rattler has yet to make his NFL debut, and he's been inactive as the Saints' No. 3 quarterback behind Carr and Jake Haener through the team's first five games. Though it was Haener who entered in relief of Carr during Monday's 26-13 loss to Kansas City, the Saints may be inclined to turn the offense over to Rattler, who possesses strong arm talent but at times played recklessly during his five-year collegiate career. During his three preseason…read more

Serving as No. 3 QB

Rattler (coach's decision) is inactive ahead of Monday night's matchup against the Chiefs.

Analysis: Rattler will serve as the Saints' emergency third quarterback for the fifth consecutive game Monday night. The 2024 fifth-round pick will be able to take the field only if both Derek Carr and Jake Haener sustain injuries.

Working as emergency QB again

Rattler (coach's decision) is inactive Sunday against the Falcons, but he'll still suit up as the Saints' emergency third quarterback.

Analysis: Rattler will again be officially inactive behind Derek Carr and No. 2 Jake Haener, but he'll be available to take the field in the event that both quarterbacks in front of him suffer injuries. The rookie fifth-round pick is still looking for a chance to make his regular-season debut.

Emergency option again

Rattler (coach's decision) is inactive Sunday against the Eagles, but he'll still suit up as the team's emergency third quarterback.

Analysis: Rattler will once again be technically available as the No. 3 quarterback behind starter Derek Carr and No. 2 Jake Haener. However, Rattler will only be able to enter the game if the other two quarterbacks get injured.

Available in emergency

Rattler (coach's decision) is inactive Sunday against the Panthers, but he'll still suit up as the team's emergency third quarterback.

Analysis: Rattler was considered a co-backup with Jake Haener to Derek Carr, but it will be Haener officially handling the backup role in Week 1.

Named co-backup

The Saints listed Rattler as a co-backup on their depth chart Tuesday, Katherine Terrell of ESPN reports.

Analysis: Rattler and Jake Haener were both named as co-backups to Derek Carr on New Orleans' depth chart. Both quarterbacks posted similar stats in the preseason, and who will serve as the team's No. 2 quarterback will officially be announced at some point before Sunday's matchup against the Panthers.

Outplays Haener in bid for QB2 spot

Rattler completed seven of 13 passes for 105 yards and one touchdown in Sunday's 30-27 preseason loss to the Titans. He added two rushing attempts for 13 yards.

Analysis: Jake Haener started under center, but the offense punted on both of his drives. Then, Rattler capped his first possession in the game with a 21-yard touchdown pass to Equanimeous St. Brown and ultimately led three touchdown drives on his four possessions while the Saints mustered only three points in six drives with Haener under center. Rattler likely had some ground to make up in the competition to be Derek Carr's backup quarterback because Haener got the start for this preseason finale, but…read more

Struggles in preseason loss

Rattler completed four of eight passes for 27 yards and logged three rushes for five yards during Sunday's 16-10 preseason defeat versus the 49ers. He also lost one fumble and was sacked twice.

Analysis: e Rattler seemingly took a step back after his strong preseason debut. The fifth-round rookie took over from starter Derek Carr midway through the second quarter, marking a change from the presason opener when second-year quarterback Jake Haener first followed Carr. However, Rattler got off to a rough start right away when he was strip-sacked on his fourth snap of the game Sunday, and the Saints finished with three points across Rattler's four offensive series. Haener and Rattler wound up…read more

Back to 100 percent

Rattler said after Friday's practice that his bruised thigh now is 100 percent, John Hendrix of SI.com reports.

Analysis: Rattler completed nine of 17 passes for 70 yards and notched two carries for eight yards and one touchdown in his pro debut this past Saturday in Arizona, but he emerged from the preseason contest with a thigh injury and subsequently didn't practice Sunday. He returned to drills Tuesday, and by Friday he was operating as he normally would. It's unclear how the QB reps will break down for this Sunday's exhibition at San Francisco, but Rattler likely is in line for another significant workload,…read more

Returns to practice Tuesday

Rattler (thigh) took part in Tuesday's practice, Mike Triplett of NewOrleans.Football reports.

Analysis: Rattler was the Saints' third quarterback in this past Saturday's exhibition game in Arizona after Derek Carr (two drives) and Jake Haener (the rest of the first half), and the 2024 fifth-rounder completed nine of 17 passes for 70 yards while tallying two rushes for eight yards and a touchdown. On Sunday, the Saints were back on the practice field, but Rattler didn't join his teammates due to a bruised thigh. He was allowed to mix back into drills just two days later, but Katherine Terrell of…read more

Absent from practice

Rattler was unavailable for practice Sunday due to a thigh bruise, Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football reports.

Analysis: Rattler appears to have suffered the injury in Saturday's 16-14 win over the Cardinals, and he's expected to be back for the team's next practice. The quarterback completed nine of 17 passes for 70 yards while also turning two carries into eight yards and a score against Arizona. Rattler will look to return to the field as soon as possible as he's in the midst of a competition with Jake Haener for the top backup role behind Derek Carr in 2024.