The New Orleans Saints are facing a potentially critical situation at the quarterback position. With Derek Carr still recovering from an injury, the team is preparing to start rookie Jake Haener if Carr is unable to play. Haener, a fourth-round draft pick out of Fresno State, has impressed coaches with his poise and accuracy in practice, and could get the nod if Carr’s injury lingers.
Carr, who was signed by the Saints in the offseason, has been dealing with a lingering injury that has limited his participation in practice. While the team is optimistic that he will be able to play, they are also preparing for the possibility that he may not be ready.
“Jake has done a great job in practice,” said Saints head coach Dennis Allen. “He’s shown a lot of poise and accuracy, and we’re confident in his ability to lead the team if Derek can’t go.”
Haener, who threw for over 9,000 yards and 80 touchdowns in his three-year career at Fresno State, has been working closely with the Saints’ coaching staff to learn the team’s offense. He has also been getting extra reps in practice, preparing himself for the possibility of starting.
“I’m just trying to take it one day at a time,” Haener said. “I’m focused on learning the playbook and getting better every day. If I get the opportunity to play, I’ll be ready.”
The Saints’ coaching staff has been impressed with Haener’s work ethic and dedication to learning the offense. They believe that he has the potential to be a solid backup quarterback, and possibly even a starter in the future.
“Jake has a lot of potential,” said Saints quarterbacks coach Ronald Curry. “He’s got a strong arm and he’s very accurate. He’s also very smart and picks up the offense quickly. We’re excited to see him develop.”
While the Saints are preparing for the possibility of Haener starting, they are still holding out hope that Carr will be ready to play. Carr, who has been dealing with a lingering injury, has been limited in practice but is still expected to be the team’s starter if he’s healthy.
“We’re still hoping that Derek will be ready to go,” said Allen. “But if he’s not, we’re confident in Jake’s ability to lead the team.”
The Saints will continue to monitor Carr’s injury and prepare Haener for the possibility of starting. As the team gets closer to the start of the season, they will have to make a decision on who will be their starting quarterback.
