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The Spencer Rattler era in New Orleans will begin a bit earlier than initially anticipated. With starter Derek Carr going down with an oblique injury, the rookie is set to take the first snap in the Saints upcoming matchup vs. Tampa Bay.
He’ll now have a chance to prove teammates, and the organization that drafted him, right!
#Saints QB1 on Sunday 🐍 pic.twitter.com/qO7DorHlnN
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) October 9, 2024
Rattler’s story is well-known. Highly touted out of high school, he signed as a Top 10 national prospect with Oklahoma. His redshirt freshman season made him a potential first round pick before struggles began.
The Sooners replaced Rattler with Caleb Williams in the middle of the 2021 Red River Rivalry. Oklahoma was down 28-7 at the time. Williams would lead them to a win.
Spencer Rattler wouldn’t start again, and eventually transferred to South Carolina to finish out his career.
He was then drafted in the fifth round this past April by New Orleans.
Character concerns and his college production caused teams to pass him over in the selection process. New Orleans didn’t see it as an issue.
Teammates soon backed the rookie after watching him on the field. Chris Olave was one of those most impressed by the passer, saying, “his arm talent is off the charts.”
“He’s really talented. His arm talent is off the charts.. he’s going to be real good, I want to see him in action but from my first impression he’s going to be a really good player.”
-Chris Olave On Spencer Rattler during training camp
pic.twitter.com/YdrirkU4KP pic.twitter.com/1qSGpA68fD
— Boot Krewe Media (@BootKreweMedia) October 9, 2024
Olave will now have a chance to catch passes from Rattler, who looks to live up to the hype.
How long will Spencer Rattler’s leash be?
Head coach Dennis Allen was asked the question shortly after naming the rookie the starter. He has no plans to yank Rattler at the first sign of trouble.
Dennis Allen said there isn’t necessarily going to be a short leash on Spencer Rattler. He’ll be allowed to play through any mistakes: “I think you’ve got to let the guy go in there and play. … He’s gonna start, he’s gonna lead the team and we’ll go from there.” #Saints
— Jeff Nowak (@Jeff_Nowak) October 9, 2024
Allen would prefer his quarterback play loose and pressure free. He doesn’t want him looking over his shoulder each drive.
That said, reserve Jake Haener is waiting should Rattler struggle for an extended period of time. It should be fun to watch him make his debut on Sunday!