Saints to start Haener over rookie Rattler vs. Commanders

The New Orleans Saints are starting quarterback Jake Haener over rookie Spencer Rattler for Sunday's game against the Washington Commanders, interim head coach Darren Rizzi announced Friday, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

The Saints were forced to make a QB change after Derek Carr fractured his left hand in last week's win over the New York Giants. The injury is reportedly expected to sideline him for the remainder of the season.

Carr also missed three games in October, but New Orleans opted to start Rattler at the time. The first-year QB, who was drafted in the fifth round this year, completed 59.6% of his passes with one touchdown against two interceptions while replacing Carr. The Saints went 0-3 in those games.

Rattler and Haener competed for the QB1 role again this week.

Haener joined the team as a fourth-round pick in 2023 and has attempted 29 passes this season. He'll make his first NFL start against Washington.

The Saints have a lot on the line Sunday versus the Commanders. New Orleans is still trying to make an unlikely playoff run in the final stretch of the season and is currently the 12-seed in the NFC with a 5-8 record. Washington is the conference's No. 7 seed at 8-5.