Report: Jake Haener will start for Saints this week

The Saints will start Jake Haener at quarterback for Sunday’s game against the Commanders, Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football reports.

Interim coach Darren Rizzi informed the quarterbacks room of the decision Thursday, per Underhill.

Starter Derek Carr has a left hand injury that could end his season.

When Carr had an oblique injury earlier this season, though, the Saints turned to rookie Spencer Rattler instead of Haener, who was No. 2 on the depth chart. Rattler went 0-3 as a starter under former head coach Dennis Allen.

Haener, a fourth-round choice of the Saints in 2023, has never made a regular-season start. He has appeared in seven games this season, completing 14 of 29 passes for 177 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions.

The Saints will have Rattler behind Haener, with Ben DiNucci on the practice squad after signing this week.