The Green Bay Packers will face a rookie quarterback at Lambeau Field on “Monday Night Football.” The New Orleans Saints named Spencer Rattler — a fifth-round pick out of South Carolina — as the starting quarterback in Week 16 on Thursday.
Rattler, who previously started three games this season, came off the bench and nearly led the Saints to a comeback win over the Washington Commanders last Sunday. He’ll make his fourth NFL start on Monday night against the Packers.
“He’s a natural thrower. He can move in the pocket. He’s fearless. I think he’s a really talented young player,” coach Matt LaFleur said Thursday.
The Saints are 0-3 in Rattler’s three starts this season. He has completed 57.5 percent of his passes, averaged 5.9 yards per attempt and thrown two touchdown passes and two interceptions — good for a passer rating of 73.1. The rookie has run nine times for 61 yards and three first downs.
Rattler led the Saints on three scoring drives, including a touchdown as time expired, as New Orleans rallied from deficits of 17-0 and 20-7. The Saints were unable to convert on a two-point attempt with no time remaining and lost, 20-19. Rattler completed 10 of 21 passes for 135 yards, one touchdown and zero interceptions against the Commanders.
Rattler, who went to high school in Arizona and played college ball at Oklahoma and South Carolina, will get cold and potentially snow in Green Bay on Monday.
Why the move now? Some insight from Saints Wire managing editor John Sigler:
“Starting Spencer Rattler is a no-brainer after he led a valiant comeback effort last week on spot duty. He looks to have made some strides reacting to pressure and keeping the ball out of danger after a rough couple of starts early this season. The Saints’ season isn’t over, but it is at a point where it’s worth seeing if he can cut the mustard before a new coaching staff takes over in the spring.”
Rattler replaced Jake Haener at quarterback last week. Starting quarterback starter Derek Carr is dealing with a left hand injury and could miss the rest of the season.