With Derek Carr sidelined due to a hand injury, the New Orleans Saints have made their decision as to who will start at quarterback against the Washington Commanders in Week 15.
It's Jake Haener, who will make his first career NFL start.
Haener, a fourth-round pick in 2023, played his college ball at the University of Washington and Fresno State University. He has appeared in seven previous games, though only attempted passes in three of them. For his career to date, he's completed 14-of-29 passes with one touchdown.
Haener has a unique and inspiring background, having overcome a suspension for a failed drug test during his rookie season and more notably a diagnosis for skin cancer this past summer. Regarding the drug test, Haener said he was unsure how the substance managed to enter his body.
In college, Haener compiled numbers of 9,120 passing yards and 68 touchdowns with 17 interceptions in 33 games over the course of four seasons, one at Washington and three at Fresno State. Nearly all of those stats came at the latter school, as he served as a backup and seldom played at Washington.
Ahead of his start this Sunday, Haener claimed he will be confident and "let it rip" with his opportunity. The Saints have nothing to lose with all of the injuries on their offense, so he might as well.
Spencer Rattler, who previously stepped in for Carr in three starts earlier this season, will serve as Haener's backup.
