The former UW Huskies QB is about to make his first NFL start

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — The New Orleans Saints have decided to start second-year quarterback Jake Haener, who spent two seasons with the UW Huskies, on Sunday against the Washington Commanders, a person familiar with the situation said Thursday night.

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The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the decision had not been announced.

The decision, first reported on the New Orleans Football website, suggests that the Saints consider starter Derek Carr too injured to play this week.

Carr was suffered a concussion and injured his left non-throwing hand during the saint’s celebration 14:11 victory over the New York Giants last Sunday.

On Wednesday, Saints interim coach Darren Rizzi said he couldn’t rule out Carr going through the NFL’s concussion protocol and choosing to try to play through his hand injury. Rizzi said Carr does not need surgery and his playing status will change “week to week” until the end of the season.

But Carr didn’t practice on Wednesday or Thursday. Haener and rookie Spencer Rattler shared first-team snaps.

Haener is a 2023 fourth-round draft choice out of Fresno State who is scheduled to make his first career start in the NFL this weekend. He has passed for 177 yards and one touchdown without an interception in seven career appearances – all seasons.

Rattler, a fifth-round draft choice out of South Carolina, has 571 yards and one TD pass with two interceptions in three career starts, while Carr was sidelined from Weeks 6 to 8 with an oblique injury.

The Saints (5-8) remain within reach of a postseason berth after winning three of four games under Rizzi, who replaced third-year coach Dennis Allen after sitting out seven games from Weeks 3-9 .

Washington (8-5) is currently in the NFC playoff picture and visits a Saints team that has yet to defeat a team that currently has a winning record.

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