New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr is expected to miss several weeks with a hand injury, including the Week 16 game against the Green Bay Packers.
According to NFL Network’s Ian RapoportCarr suffered a severe fracture to his left non-throwing hand during Sunday’s win over the New York Giants. The injury will not require surgery, but could end Carr’s season. He also deals with A concussion.
Carr was injured during a late-game scramble in which he landed on his helmet and left hand. He was taken to the locker room for evaluation and did not return for the game. His replacement, Jake Haener, didn’t complete a single pass, and the Saints were able to hang on and win 14-11 thanks to a blocked field goal in the final seconds.
After improving to 5-8, the Saints have a 3.1% chance to win the NFC South and a 3.7% chance to advance to the playoffs. Professional Football Network. However, it all depends on whether New Orleans wins the remaining schedule.
After the bye week, the Saints have the option of facing Green Bay with Haener or rookie Spencer Rattler. Rattler started three games in place of Carr this season, losing all three, completing less than 60 percent of his passes, adding one touchdown, two interceptions and racking up 14 sacks. Meanwhile, Haener has yet to appear in an NFL game, but was the first to be called upon to replace Carr, indicating he may be the preferred backup. Fortunately, New Orleans has a little extra time to choose the best option.
After one more victory, the Packers are almost certain of a place in the playoffs. If it doesn’t happen this week against the Seattle Seahawks, there’s a good chance it will happen against a Saints team without their starting quarterback.
