New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr sustained an injury to his left hand during the nail-biting final moments of Sunday’s 14-11 win against the New York Giants.

Carr’s injury could pave the way for Spencer Rattler to get another shot. The 24-year-old QB, who was the 150th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, has already filled in for Carr once this season but lost all three of his starts. Jake Haener is perhaps best placed to fill in for Carr, having finished the end of Sunday’s win at MetLife Stadium.

Carr’s injury occurred as he attempted to secure a first down by going airborne and subsequently landed hard on the turf at the New Orleans 39-yard line, using his non-throwing hand to break his fall. After spending a brief period on the ground, Carr made his way to the medical tent and then to the X-ray area.

“A phenomenal effort trying to make a first down,” praised interim coach Darren Rizzi about the play, which unfolded with the Saints ahead and less than four minutes on the clock.

Carr appears likely to face downtime, according to tight end Juwan Johnson, who scored a touchdown in the game. Carr did not address the media post-game. “He’s just been having a rough go. We’re behind him,” Johnson said. “He’s still Derek Carr, aside from the football field. You just have to be there for him, emotionally, spiritually and physically.”

The injury poses a threat to the already faint playoff aspirations of the Saints (5-8), who are chasing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-6) and the Atlanta Falcons (6-7) in the NFC South.

Spencer Rattler could be poised for recall

Spencer Rattler could be poised for recall 

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Getty Images)

When questioned about the possibility of Carr entering concussion protocol after his harsh collision, Coach Rizzi could not confirm. Johnson shared that Carr had rallied his teammates to give their all before he was injured. “And that’s the true example of laying out on the line. The dude just cares about his team a lot,” Johnson said.

Carr delivered an impressive performance, completing 20 of 31 passes for 219 yards and connecting with Johnson for an 11-yard touchdown in the third quarter. He also orchestrated a 98-yard drive culminating in Kendre Miller’s 6-yard touchdown run in the first quarter, contributing to New Orleans’ third victory in four games under interim coach Rizzi, who stepped in following Dennis Allen’s dismissal last month.

When Carr was replaced by Haener, the momentum shifted as Miller was halted on a crucial third-and-one by Giants linebacker Micah McFadden, leading to a Saints punt. Following a turnover by New Orleans’ Demario Davis, Haener’s subsequent series ended in a quick three-and-out. The Giants regained possession with only 1:21 left on the clock and narrowly missed pushing the game into overtime.

In a dramatic final drive, New York advanced to the Saints’ 12-yard line, where defensive tackle Bryan Bresee managed to deflect Graham Gano’s potential game-tying 35-yard field goal with just a thumb.