Saints sign QB Ben DiNucci following Derek Carr’s injuries

Injuries to starting quarterback Derek Carr have led the New Orleans Saints to sign journeyman Ben DiNucci, who announced the news on social media Tuesday.

The team did not confirm the signing or whether DiNucci would be on the active roster or practice squad. He provides depth behind Carr’s backups, Jake Haener and Spencer Rattler.

Interim coach Darren Rizzi announced Monday that Carr suffered an injury to his left (non-throwing) hand and has also entered the concussion protocol. Rizzi disputed an NFL Network report that Carr had a “severe fracture” and said surgery would not be necessary.

According to media reports, the Saints (5-8) may not place Carr on injured reserve with four games remaining in the regular season, including Sunday at home against the Washington Commanders (8-5).

Carr was injured while trying to score a first down late in the final quarter of Sunday’s 14-11 road win over the New York Giants. He was near the sideline and flew into the air, landed that club face hard on his left hand and then slammed into the turf as he landed out of bounds with 3:59 to play.

Carr completed 20 of 31 passes for 219 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Haener finished the game for the Saints.

I have funny news.

I signed with the Saints this morning.

Source: Myself (quite credible).

— Ben DiNucci (@B_DiNucci6) December 10, 2024

Overall, Carr has thrown for 2,145 yards, 15 touchdowns and five interceptions this season. He missed three games earlier this season due to an oblique injury.

DiNucci, 28, has played in three NFL games (one start), all with the Dallas Cowboys in 2020 when starter Dak Prescott injured his ankle. DiNucci completed 23 of 43 passes (53.5 percent) for 219 yards. The Cowboys drafted him in the seventh round in 2020.

After the Cowboys released him in August 2022, DiNucci spent time on the Denver Broncos’ practice squad during the 2023 season before being released in May. The Buffalo Bills signed him on August 12th and released him on August 27th.

–Field level media