New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr is expected to miss multiple games following an oblique injury sustained in Monday night's 26-13 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, according to a report from the NFL Network. The injury occurred in the fourth quarter, with Carr heading to the locker room with just over six minutes left in the game.

Carr underwent an MRI on Tuesday, which confirmed he will likely be sidelined for at least two upcoming games, including Sunday’s matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and a quick turnaround Thursday night game against the Denver Broncos.

The injury came at a pivotal moment for the Saints, who are riding a three-game losing streak and are now forced to consider their quarterback options with Carr out. Saints head coach Dennis Allen must decide between Jake Haener and Spencer Rattler to start in Carr’s absence.

Although Haener has been Carr’s primary backup this season, Rattler, a rookie out of South Carolina, is reported to be a “strong candidate” to take over the starting role, per the NFL Network.

Carr, who signed a four-year, $150 million contract with New Orleans in 2023, expressed his frustration over not being able to finish the game. “For me not to be out there with my guys, no matter the situation, it takes something,” Carr said. “I asked if there was anything we could do, and there was not enough time to do that.”

This marks the first time Carr will miss a game as a Saint. Last season, he played through multiple injuries, including a shoulder injury, fractured ribs, and concussions. Before joining New Orleans, Carr had not missed a game due to injury since 2017 with the Raiders.

The injury could not come at a worse time for the Saints, as they face a difficult stretch with two games in nine days. The team’s performance will hinge on the development of their young quarterbacks, both of whom showed promise during training camp and preseason.

Haener, a fourth-round pick from Fresno State, struggled in limited action against the Chiefs, completing just two of seven passes for 17 yards. Rattler, meanwhile, comes in with potential, having once been regarded as a top prospect before falling to the fifth round of the draft.

 

Coach Allen emphasized that both young quarterbacks will be evaluated carefully in the coming days before a final decision is made on who will start. The Saints will need to rally behind whoever steps in, as their playoff hopes hang in the balance with this pivotal quarterback change.

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