Jake Haener's the next man up under center for the New Orleans Saints.
Haener will make his first NFL start on Sunday against the Washington Commanders, NFL Network Insider Mike Garafolo reported Thursday night.
Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football first reported the news.
Derek Carr is dealing with a left hand injury that will keep him out Sunday -- and potentially for the remainder of the season -- and Haener is getting the nod over rookie Spencer Rattler.
Haener was the team's backup when Carr missed time with an oblique injury earlier in the season. Though Haener came on in relief of Carr when he was injured in Week 5 against the Kansas City Chiefs, then-head coach Dennis Allen gave the ensuing starts to Rattler. Rattler went 0-3 as a starter.
This time around, Haener his chance to be QB1.
A 2023 NFL Draft fourth-round choice of the Saints, Haener has played in seven games this season, completing 14 of 29 passes (48.3%) for 177 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions.
Haener, who was diagnosed with skin cancer earlier in the year but hasn't missed a beat, will lead the host Saints (5-8) into action against the Commanders (8-5) at 1 p.m. ET Sunday.
