New Orleans Saints Face Uncertain Future as Quarterback Derek Carr Suffers Oblique Injury

Quarterback Derek Carr exited Monday’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs due to an oblique injury sustained in the final quarter, as confirmed by NFL Media. The injury has left Carr’s availability uncertain for upcoming games, raising concerns for the New Orleans Saints.

During the match, Carr left the field with 9:32 remaining in the fourth quarter following an incomplete pass attempt. “Not good,” Carr said when questioned about his condition after the game. He indicated that an MRI was scheduled for Tuesday to assess the severity of the injury.

“I was fully confident all the way until I got hurt that we could win that game,” Carr expressed, highlighting his frustration with the injury, which prevented him from executing necessary throws. The quarterback noted that the issue was not related to pain tolerance but rather his inability to perform effectively.

According to Carr, medical staff advised him against returning to the game, citing insufficient time for recovery. As a result, Jake Haener took over as quarterback in Carr’s absence during the subsequent offensive series.

Carr’s injury comes at a challenging time for the Saints, who face a condensed schedule with games against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Denver Broncos in quick succession. Carr has been injured four times during his two seasons with New Orleans, having previously dealt with a sprained AC joint and concussion protocol last season.

The Saints, who began their season with two consecutive wins averaging 45.5 points against the Carolina Panthers and Dallas Cowboys, have since struggled. They have lost their last three games, amassing a total of 49 points in those losses. The potential prolonged absence of Carr could further impact their offensive performance.

With Carr likely to miss multiple games, speculation arises about the team’s depth chart decisions. Both Jake Haener and Spencer Rattler are potential candidates to step up as starting quarterbacks, prompting the coaching staff to consider preparing Rattler for upcoming challenges.