Sources – Saints start Jake Haener if Derek Carr can’t go

NEW ORLEANS – The Saints plan to use Jake Haener against the Washington Commanders if quarterback Derek Carr is sidelined, sources confirmed to ESPN on Thursday.

It would be Haener’s first NFL start in his career.

Carr is in the concussion protocol and fractured his non-throwing hand while trying to score a first down in Sunday’s win against the New York Giants.

If Carr doesn’t play, it would be the fourth game he has missed this season. He missed three games with an oblique injury and rookie Spencer Rattler started in his place.

Saints interim coach Darren Rizzi said Wednesday he wanted to see both backups compete before deciding on a starter.

Rizzi hasn’t ruled out Carr, but said the quarterback will need to participate in at least one walkthrough to play this weekend. Carr is also dealing with swelling in his hand and hasn’t practiced all week.

NewOrleans.Football was first to report the news of the Saints’ plan to start Haener.

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler contributed to this report.