Who is Derek Carr’s backup? Saints QB depth chart explored

New Orleans Saints starting quarterback Derek Carr is set to miss several weeks after picking up an oblique injury during the 26-13 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs Monday night. The veteran play-caller will likely miss the Saints' duels against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this Sunday and the Denver Broncos in Week 7's Thursday night matchup.

This injury happened at the worst time, as the Saints have lost three games in a row. That said, it's time to see who is in the quarterback room alongside Carr.

Exploring New Orleans Saints QB depth chart

The Saints have two young quarterbacks ready to step in during Derek Carr's absence: 25-year-old Jake Haener and 24-year-old rookie Spencer Rattler. After stints with the Washington Huskies and Fresno State Bulldogs in college, Jake Haener was drafted by the Saints in 2023.

He has played in three games for Dennis Allen's team, attempting eight passes and completing two with no touchdowns or interceptions. Haener was suspended for the first six weeks of 2023 after failing a drug test for a performance-enhancing substance and reinstated on October 16, 2023.

As for Rattler, he was a very famous name in college during his time with Oklahoma and South Carolina. The Saints picked him as the No. 150 overall pick in the fifth round of this year's draft.

He played a couple of snaps during the preseason, completing 20 of 38 pass attempts for 202 yards and a passing touchdown. He's yet to play a snap in the regular season, but that may be about to change.

Who could replace Derek Carr as Saints QB in Week 6?

According to NFL insider Mike Garafolo, Spencer Rattler is a 'strong candidate' to get the ball this Sunday. He would be the fifth rookie quarterback to start this season after the Patriots named Drake Maye the starting quarterback for Week 6.

Head coach Dennis Allen announced on Wednesday that Rattler will replace Carr in Week 6 against divisional rivals Buccaneers.

Rattler finished his college journey throwing a career-high 3,186 yards and 275 completions. His 2023 season was one for the books, and if he can bring some of that quality to the Saints, they should remain competitive until Derek Carr returns.