Saints will be forced to declare a backup quarterback ahead of their Week 1 game
The biggest position battle of the offseason for the New Orleans Saints was the backup quarterback battle. With Derek Carr returning as the starter, second-year quarterback Jake Haener and rookie Spencer Rattler both had their sights set on the QB2 spot. Now, with training camp and the preseason complete, the battle is still somehow undecided.
Both guys had ups and downs in the preseason, but it was Rattler who ended things on a high note, and for many, that seemed like the deciding factor. However, head coach Dennis Allen made it clear other things like practices were also being taken into account. Ultimately, the Saints are a few days away from their Week 1 game, and fans and media members don’t know who the backup quarterback is.
On the team’s first released depth chart of the regular season, New Orleans listed the backup as Jake Haener or Spencer Rattler. That surely didn’t make anyone happy, as everyone wants to see an actual decision be made. Fortunately, for the people who are eager to see a decision, the Saints will be forced to make one soon.
During official games, the league requires teams to declare a backup quarterback for the headset. That means a decision will have to be made before kickoff.
They have to declare a backup quarterback on Sunday for headset purposes per league rules. The idea that the players won't know who is who isn't real.
— Nick Underhill (@nick_underhill) September 3, 2024
I think they just want them to both compete and keep the intensity up by not making a declaration and leaving the door open.
Saints must decide if Jake Haener or Spencer Rattler will be the backup quarterback
Based on how things have gone already this offseason, New Orleans will likely downplay the decision and insist both young QBs are still on a a level playing field. If Haener is on the headset, the team will probably say the decision was made because he has a little more experience. If it’s Rattler, New Orleans would probably say something about wanting the rookie to get more experience hearing everything.
Essentially, the Saints are going to do everything they can to keep their cards close to the chest. If New Orleans continually refuses to make a statement, the only way everyone will actually find out the QB2 is if one of them is called to enter the game.
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