The New Orleans Saints are prepared to start Spencer Rattler with full confidence in the young signal caller.

The Saints are expected to be without starter Derek Carr for several weeks after he suffered an oblique injury, and the team will turn to 2024 fifth-round pick Spencer Rattler to keep the team afloat.

Dianna Russini of The Athletic reported that the Saints are confident Rattler can handle the position and that the 24-year-old possesses significant poise.

They made the decision to go with Rattler over Jake Haener because of Rattler’s standout performances during the preseason and in practice. New Orleans has two games in the next eight days (the Buccaneers on Sunday and the Broncos next Thursday night), and head coach Dennis Allen is confident Rattler will play loose and stay calm as the Saints look for a spark after three downs to have lost in a row. The Saints’ building is buzzing with Rattler’s ability to process. As one coach on the staff explained, “He doesn’t panic — not under pressure, not when the offensive line breaks down, he’s just ready.”

Although Rattler didn’t hear his name called until the fifth round, his name carries more cachet than the average fifth-rounder. He was a consensus five-star recruit in high school and went to Oklahoma with high expectations. He saw some success with the Sooners, but ultimately lost his job to Caleb Williams before transferring to South Carolina.

With the Gamecocks, Rattler threw for 6,212 passing yards with 37 touchdowns and 20 interceptions across two seasons. He compiled a 13–12 record as the team’s starter.

He will hope to recapture some of the magic he showed as a high school recruit, and the Saints have some solid options for him to work with. New Orleans is 2-3 but has scored 91 points in its first two games and has shown itself to be a dynamic offense.