DECEMBER 9: Carr is in fact dealing with a fracture in his left hand, per Rapoport and colleague Tom Pelissero. A multi-week absence is expected as a result, which could very well mean Carr will be out for the remainder of the season.
DECEMBER 8: The Saints’ 2024 NFL season has been a frustrating one full of streaks. Despite breaking up the streaks today with a win, an injury today could lead to another streak of losses to close the season. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, quarterback Derek Carr suffered a fracture in his left, non-throwing hand during today’s win over the Giants. 
In an effort to dive over several players to reach the first down marker, Carr was upended and landed directly on his hand and wrist. This led to the initial fear that he had suffered the fracture in his nondominant hand. He ended up leaving the stadium with the injured hand in a cast, per Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football.
The Saints began their season with two dominant wins, with the second coming against a team most thought would be a contender in the NFC. Looking back, the win over the Cowboys wasn’t quite as impressive as was initially thought, which was well-reflected in the six-game losing streak that would follow.
Part of the reason for that losing streak was the loss of Carr at quarterback. An oblique injury forced him to miss three games — all lopsided losses. With Carr out, the Saints opted to start rookie fifth-round pick Spencer Rattler out of South Carolina. In the three losses, Rattler averaged about 190 yards per game, throwing one touchdown to two interceptions. In the second and third starts of his career, Rattler saw second-year passer Jake Haener enter the game in relief of him.
It’s unclear if Carr will miss any time yet, but it’s highly likely. We often see defenders play with a club cast on an injured hand, but even though it’s not his throwing hand, it would be extremely difficult for Carr to receive the snap under center or catch a snap in shotgun with a cast on his left hand. Add in the risk of further damage with little left to play for as a 5-8 team with a difficult path to the playoffs ahead of them, and we may have seen the last of Carr this season.
If that’s the case, New Orleans will have to make a decision of whether to give Rattler or Haener more starting opportunities to close the year. Rattler has been deemed the investment piece so far but has ceded his responsibilities to Haener twice in three starts. Regardless, it does seem that Carr’s injury makes the outlook for the remainder of the Saints’ season a bit grim.
Could be Carr’s last game in NO. O’Connell could also be done in LV.
They need to reset their financials at some point anyway. Next year would honestly be a good one to commit to doing that so they are ready for ‘26. Of course, I’ve been saying this for a decade.
They’ve been good with Carr on the field and the new coach at the helm, going 5-1. I understand that’s cherry picking to an extent, but I think it’s an indicator that the team is better than it’s given credit for. I hope they restructure Carr and keep trying.
Maybe, because Scantling adds to good receiver group next year. Carr would be a fool not to take a paycut. Everyone knows this team has talent. Just needs better coaching and healthy lines on both fronts. I still feel Chase Young has been disappointing.
Park the Carr and use public transit. It’s the eco friendly solution.
It will probably feel like a “cut” by next March/June 1.
I never wish injury or harm on anybody.
That said, it appears Carr is done for the year, which turns into a blessing in disguise. The Saints know what they have in Carr, and what he can/can’t do. This injury allows them 4 weeks to evaluate/rate both Rattler and Haener against NFL defenses. The problem is that with a new staff set to take over, none of the 3 options could be options. It does buy Loomis some time to evaluate and decide Carr’s fate. He’s a sunk cost for the organization, anyway, if you keep him or release him. Unless Tampa has sewn up the division and rests starters, the only winnable game they have left is against the Raiders. That may be as much as a dawg as yesterday’s game, but with more fleas.
All bets are off with a new staff taking over but I still think the Saints would want to keep Carr around. At worst he could be a veteran mentor for a younger QB and they’ll probably want someone in that role eventually.