Sun Oct 13 20:22:41 UTC 2024: ## Saints Turn to Rookie Rattler Against Buccaneers

**NEW ORLEANS, LA** – The New Orleans Saints will be looking to a fresh face under center this Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Head coach Dennis Allen announced Wednesday that rookie quarterback **Spencer Rattler** will start in place of the injured Derek Carr (oblique). This marks Rattler’s first NFL start.

Rattler, a fifth-round pick out of South Carolina, was inactive for the Saints’ first five games, serving as the team’s third-string quarterback. The decision to start him over veteran backup **Jake Haener** surprised some, as Haener has been the team’s No. 2 quarterback all season. Haener directed the offense for the final drive of Monday’s loss to the Chiefs, but his performance was underwhelming, completing only two of seven passes for 17 yards.

Coach Allen declined to elaborate on his reasoning for choosing Rattler, only stating that the rookie gives the Saints the “best chance to win.”

The Saints face a crucial test against the Buccaneers, who are coming off a Week 5 victory over the Falcons.

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