This was expected, but that doesn’t make it easier to stomach. NFL Network’s Ina Rapoport reports that testing revealed Derek Carr suffered a “significant fracture” to his non-throwing hand. Rapoport added that while Carr is expected to miss multiple weeks recovering from this injury, the timing means it’s “almost certainly” going to end his season. There just aren’t enough weeks left for him to safely return in time, barring a late playoff run.
And that might be Carr’s saving grace. The Saints only trail the first-place Tampa Bay Buccaneers by 2.5 wins, with a rematch waiting in Week 18. The Bucs have had their injury woes as well and if they slip up, New Orleans could make this competitive. That would extend Carr’s window to return.
Either way, it’ll be Jake Haener or Spencer Rattler starting at quarterback for the foreseeable future, beginning with next week’s game against the Washington Commanders. Getting something out of either young passer would do a lot to not just keep the team’s chances alive right now, but maybe usher in some optimism about their future, too.
