Dennis Allen details Saints’ quarterback plan for Week 8 if Derek Carr is still out

As the New Orleans Saints try to end their five-game losing steak, they’re hoping to get some key players back from injury. Among those players is starting quarterback Derek Carr. Carr has been sidelined for two weeks with an oblique injury, but he’s quickly working his way back.

Head coach Dennis Allen announced that Carr had a throwing session on Monday, and will throw again on Tuesday, as the team evaluates him to see where he’s at. Allen previously said that what Carr is dealing with is more about functionality than pain tolerance, so he’ll be back when he can effectively do his job as a quarterback.

While that could be in Week 8 against the Los Angeles Chargers, Allen said it’s very likely he’ll be ready for New Orleans’ Week 10 game against the Carolina Panthers. If that’s the case, the Saints will be without Carr for at least one more week, which means another week of someone else starting.

Rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler has started the two games Carr has missed, and on Monday, Allen said that won’t change if Carr is out for a third straight week.

Saints plan to stick with Spencer Rattler while Derek Carr still is out

Despite two blowout losses, Rattler has played promising in his first two starts. He completed 62.7% of his passes for 415 yards and one touchdown, while also rushing for 61 yards. The problem, however, has been his two interceptions, three fumbles, and 11 sacks.

Those negative plays have mostly come when Rattler was pressured, and that’s why Allen maintains that Rattler has played well when protected. However, the head coach will like for the young quarterback to eliminate the rookie mistakes.

Unfortunately, Rattler is a rookie, and this is the journey teams must go on with rookie quarterbacks. The only healthy quarterback on the roster that isn’t a rookie is Jake Haener, and he’s only in his second season, and has very little experience.

However, after leading New Orleans on a touchdown drive late in the Week 7 loss to the Denver Broncos, the idea of Haener starting was explored by some fans and media members. While it was at the end of a blowout, Haener was able to get the ball out fast and stay calm under pressure.

That could’ve given New Orleans’ coaching staff something to think about, but the team has ultimately decided to stick with Spencer Rattler.

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