As the New Orleans Saints prepare to take on the Denver Broncos in their upcoming Thursday night clash, the buzz surrounding the team is more about who's missing from the lineup than who's in it. For the second straight game, starting quarterback Derek Carr will not be leading the team due to an oblique injury that he sustained during a Week 5 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Impact of Carr's Absence
Derek Carr's injury has struck a significant blow to the Saints' hopes this season. The quarterback had been navigating the season with a 2-3 record before his setback, amassing eight touchdowns against four interceptions. While those stats may suggest a bumpy path, Carr's leadership and experience have been instrumental in the Saints' gameplay and his absence is already impacting the team dynamic.
Reports from the team’s medical staff suggest Carr could be sidelined for about a month. This prolongation means he might only see action again during the team's Week 8 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers. As veteran sports reporter Ian Rapoport noted, "A lot ... has to happen for him to be out there."
Spencer Rattler's Turn in the Spotlight
With Carr out, rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler steps into the spotlight. Rattler, a fifth-round draft pick in 2024, now faces the daunting task of filling the shoes of a seasoned NFL signal-caller. While he lacks Carr’s experience, this opportunity could be the proving ground that sets Rattler on a promising path. The young quarterback hopes to make the most out of this chance, showcasing his skills and adaptability under the bright lights of Thursday night football.
Taysom Hill Edges Closer to Return
In addition to Carr's absence, the Saints have been eagerly waiting for the return of another critical player—Taysom Hill. Dubbed a versatile Swiss-army knife in the Saints’ arsenal, Hill's presence has been missed. However, there is a silver lining. According to Saints' Head Coach Dennis Allen, "Taysom Hill is likelier to return for Week 8 than Carr." Hill's recovery is progressing well, hinting at his comeback during the same week the Saints hope Carr will be available.
The team is eyeing the 10-day window between their contest against Denver and the upcoming Chargers game as a vital period for both Carr and Hill to make significant strides in recovery. Their return could offer a fresh injection of energy and strategy into a team that needs their playmaking capabilities to turn the season around.
Looking Ahead
The Saints’ upcoming schedule doesn’t afford them the luxury of easing into games; it remains a challenging lineup, especially with the looming Chargers. How the team navigates this period without their star players will be crucial in determining their trajectory this season.
As fans and analysts watch closely, the Saints are undoubtedly using Carr’s absence and Rattler’s emergence as a catalyst for introspection and strategy realignment. Whether the downside of Carr’s injury turns out to be the unexpected launching pad for Rattler remains to be seen. But what is clear is the team's resolve to adapt and compete fiercely in the face of adversity.
The Thursday night face-off against the Broncos may not tell the full story, but it sets an important stage. With Carr on the bench, how the Saints’ narrative unfolds from here on might just rest on a rookie's shoulders, proving once again that in the NFL, every moment—and every player—counts.