Derek Carr leaves game in a cast: what’s next for the Saints?

On December 8, 2024, in the United States, New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr experienced a significant injury situation during a closely contested game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Late in the fourth quarter with the score at a narrow 14-11 in favor of the Saints, Carr rushed to make a play on a 2-and-10 scenario. As he attempted to hurdle a defender, he came down awkwardly, causing a fall that led to his left arm hitting the ground with force. Following this incident, it was reported that Carr left the stadium in a cast, raising immediate concerns among fans and the coaching staff alike. Most notably, the injury was speculated to be a fracture of his left, non-throwing hand. Backup quarterback Jake Haener took over after Carr's departure from the game, with the Saints managing to hold onto their lead but leaving the game with questions surrounding Carr's health and future in the season. Carr had already faced challenges earlier in the season; he had missed three games due to an oblique injury suffered in a previous match against the Kansas City Chiefs. His performance against the Giants prior to the injury included 219 passing yards with one touchdown and one interception. As per Saints coach Darren Rizzi's comments after the game, Carr’s injury was serious enough to warrant a potential entry into the concussion protocol, highlighting the player's vulnerability amid the ongoing season's struggles. This injury is particularly concerning for the Saints, given that Carr's previous absence had already impacted the team's performance negatively. During Carr's absence earlier in the season, rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler was stepped into the starting role but struggled, leading the Saints to lose all three games. Carr's presence on the field had been a stabilizing factor, and with this new injury, there are fears that the Saints may once again face a difficult period without their starting quarterback. The situation with Derek Carr amplifies the worries surrounding the Saints franchise, particularly as injuries have plagued their season. The fans' concern is palpable, considering Carr's experienced leadership was inherently needed during these critical games. The upcoming week will determine if Carr can recover quickly enough to avoid further setbacks that could derail the team's chances in the remaining games of the season.