The New Orleans Saints could be without starting quarterback Derek Carr for their Week 15 NFC showdown with the Washington Commanders.
With around four minutes remaining in Sunday’s 14-11 win over the New York Giants, Carr rolled to his right and tried to leap over two defenders before picking up around nine yards to make it third-and-1.
Unfortunately for Carr, he landed awkwardly on his left wrist and did not return to the game. While there has been no official report on Carr’s status, it looks to be a fractured left wrist.
Derek Carr #saints
Injured on this play, not moving his left arm as he walked off the field. Landed hard on his left hand which would lead to concern for a wrist/forearm fracture or wrist sprain. Possible shoulder but less likely. We’ll see what the reports say pic.twitter.com/JPUwEf99sg
— Tom Christ, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT (@FantasyInjuryT) December 8, 2024
The Saints have not confirmed Carr’s injury or status for Week 15. However, according to Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network, New Orleans fears Carr did indeed suffer a fractured hand.
#Saints QB Derek Carr is feared to have suffered a fracture in his left, non-throwing hand, sources tell me and @TomPelissero. Another frustrating injury situation for Carr and New Orleans. pic.twitter.com/6hHDHD3pao
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 8, 2024
When Carr departed Sunday’s game, second-year quarterback Jake Haener relieved him. However, when Carr missed time earlier this season, rookie fifth-round pick Spencer Rattler started in his place. Rattler completed 59 of 99 passes for 571 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions. The Saints lost all three games, and, most alarmingly, Rattler was sacked 14 times in those starts.
The Saints have been sacked 27 times as a team, meaning Rattler has taken over half of those sacks in only three games.
If Carr is out on Sunday, the Saints may want to get an extended look at Rattler with four games remaining and three games out of the final playoff spot. However, Haener is also a young quarterback, which could give New Orleans an extended opportunity to see if he can move the offense.