Derek Carr injury update: Saints QB's status revealed ahead of TNF vs. Broncos

Saints quarterback Derek Carr has officially been ruled inactive for New Orleans’ Thursday Night Football matchup against the Denver Broncos.

The Saints had already named rookie QB Spencer Rattler as its starter, but the official designation had not been revealed until Thursday night.

Carr sustained the injury in the fourth quarter of the 26-13 Week 5 road defeat to the Kansas City Chiefs. He was taken back to the locker room but was not able to return to the matchup. Backup Jake Haener took his place for the remainder of the game.

Carr finished the game by completing 18 of 28 passes for 165 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. He revealed that he wanted to try and return to action before the end of the game, but the athletic training staff on hand would not clear him especially since it was already the second half.

Earlier in the week, it was reported that New Orleans is expected to be without Carr for three to four weeks with his oblique injury, according to Jay Glazer of FOX Sports.

Of course, the Saints turn to Rattler who is set to make his second NFL start against the Broncos on Thursday.

“It was exciting,” Rattler said this week of being named the starter, via the team’s website. “They have confidence in me, but I love our group. We’ve got so many talented dudes that I can lean on. And I don’t have to do too much, just facilitate the ball to them.

“I spoke to [offensive coordinator] Klint [Kubiak] about it. Klint said, hey, let’s have a great week, let’s prepare at a high level, put a great plan together. It was brief and short, and we got to work, so that was good.”

Kickoff between the Saints and Broncos is set for 8:15 p.m. ET live on Prime Video. It will be Broncos head coach Sean Payton’s first game back in New Orleans since his intial retirement in 2022.