What happened to Jake Haener? Saints QB opens about rare cancer diagnosis

Jake Haener had a trying start to his NFL career in 2023. The former Fresno State standout did not take the field as a rookie and was suspended for the first six weeks of the season due to a PED violation.

At a press conference during the Saints' training camp on Friday, July 26, Haener opened up about his rare cancer diagnosis.

What happened to Saints' QB Jake Haener?

In a video posted by ESPN, Haener shared more about the initial findings for his condition.

"It is not going be like a life-threatening thing right now. But I have to get a different procedure done on my face, so we are just trying to take the necessary steps to see how long I can wait until I get that procedure done."

Haener spoke about how it was discovered, referencing an "odd-looking bump" that grew on his face.

"I was kind of worried about it; my family was worried about it. With these skin cancer things, if you wait, things spread, so I've just got to get it taken care of."

He ended the discussion on a positive note as he spoke about his optimism regarding the treatment.

"I feel like I am young and healthy to have something like that pop-up. But I want to take care of it and be responsible for it. Obviously, I will not make it a distraction because I will be fine; everything will be taken care of."

What's next for Jake Haener and the Saints?

Haener is in the Saints' training camp battling rookie QB Spencer Rattler for the backup spot behind 4x Pro Bowler Derek Carr. Haener did not play as a rookie, so he and Rattler are in a race to determine who will make his NFL debut first.

The New Orleans Saints will aim for a significantly better season in 2024. The franchise failed to make the playoffs last year, despite bringing in Carr during free agency. The goal for this year is to make the postseason and to make some noise when they get there.