A Gritty Victory, But at a Cost for the Saints
In a low-scoring but hard-fought contest, the New Orleans Saints secured a 14-11 victory over the New York Giants, demonstrating resilience and determination on the field. However, the triumph came with a significant setback as Saints' quarterback Derek Carr exited the game early due to a left hand injury. This win propels New Orleans to a 5-8 season record, still trailing the NFC South-leading Tampa Bay Buccaneers by two games with only four weeks remaining in the regular season.
Carr's Unfortunate Exit
Derek Carr's departure after a nine-yard run was noted after the injury was revealed to be a critical fracture in his non-throwing hand. This unfortunate event raises questions about his availability for the remainder of the season. The team has yet to decide whether Carr will be placed on injured reserve, a move that would end his season. Recovery from his injury is expected to span several weeks, creating uncertainty for the Saints' critical run toward postseason contention.
The severity of Carr's injury was underscored in the locker room, with wide receiver Juwan Johnson reflecting on Carr's spirit and dedication: "The thing is, before the series even started, he was just talking about how he was going to lay it on the line. And that's the true example of laying it out on the line. ... He's just trying to win."
The Saints Face New Challenges
With Carr sidelined, Jake Haener stepped in to take the reins at quarterback. Although the Saints managed to secure the win, history this season hasn’t been kind when Carr is absent. Notably, earlier in the season, Spencer Rattler took over during Carr’s three-game absence, a period in which the Saints failed to clinch a single victory. The decision of who will serve as the starting quarterback moving forward remains under consideration as New Orleans looks to keep its playoff hopes alive.
The Saints began the season with a promising 2-0 start, but injuries, particularly Carr's recurring ones, have been a significant hurdle. Darren Rizzi, serving as the interim head coach, has kept the team motivated and focused, evidenced by the Saints winning three of their last four games. This display of resilience could prove pivotal as they aim for a postseason berth in the tightly contested NFC South.
Upcoming Battles and No Room for Error
The Saints' journey to salvage their season will continue next week against the Washington Commanders, followed by critical matchups against the Green Bay Packers and Las Vegas Raiders. Their regular season finale is set for a showdown with division rivals, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, a potentially decisive encounter for New Orleans given their current standings in the NFC South.
New Orleans' front office is weighing its options concerning Carr’s potential placement on injured reserve, navigating the fine line between hope for an unfading playoff run and the realism of preserving the quarterback's health for future seasons. Carr's contributions to the team haven't gone unnoticed, earning significant respect from teammates and Saints fans alike.
As the narrative of the season continues to unfold, the Saints find themselves amidst adversity and opportunity. Their destiny hinges on overcoming Carr’s injury and maintaining their newfound momentum under Darren Rizzi’s leadership. This closing stretch promises high stakes and heightened anticipation that will test the mettle of this resilient New Orleans squad.