The New Orleans Saints have offered the Tampa Bay Buccaneers a stern test over the last several years.
After the latest new, that challenge appears to be much more navigable on Sunday when the teams meet inside the Superdome.
According to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo, Derek Carr will miss multiple games due to the oblique injury he suffered on Monday night against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Sources to me and @RapSheet: #Saints QB Derek Carr is expected to miss multiple games with an oblique injury he suffered against the #Chiefs.
New Orleans has two games in the next nine days, and the likelihood is Carr misses Sun vs. the #Buccaneers and Thurs vs. the #Broncos. pic.twitter.com/njLCXJuSA6— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) October 8, 2024
Late in New Orleans' 26-13 loss, Carr attempting to get a throw off, but took a hit. He stayed on the ground, clearly in significant discomfort before heading to the locker room and being ruled out. Carr noted after the game that the injury was "not good" and that he'd have an MRI. Jake Haener finished the game for the Saints.
In his place, the Saints - according to Garafolo - are strongly considering starting rookie QB Spencer Rattler over Haener against Tampa Bay.
More on the #Saints’ QB situation: Rookie fifth-rounder Spencer Rattler is a strong candidate to get the start in Derek Carr’s absence, sources tell me and @RapSheet.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) October 8, 2024
With Drake Maye getting the ball for the #Patriots, that would make five rookie QBs to get a start this year. pic.twitter.com/QCk6CvxS8x
With the concerning number of struggles the Bucs have had against rookie and/or inexperienced quarterbacks over the years, that could still end up being a challenge for the Buccaneers' defense. However, without question, Carr's absence will be a blow to the Saints offense and will still be a boon to the Bucs' chances of escaping New Orleans on Sunday with a big divisional win.
The Bucs and Saints get underway at 1:00 pm ET from New Orleans.
