The Saints praise rookie QB Spencer Rattler before the first start

METAIRIE, La. – The New Orleans Saints didn't waste much time pondering the decision to use rookie Spencer Rattler against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Saints starting quarterback Derek Carr injured his oblique muscle Monday night against the Kansas City Chiefs. Saints offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak told Rattler on Tuesday morning that he would start this Sunday against the Bucs.

“Klint said, ‘Hey, let’s have a great week. Let's prepare at a high level and put together a great plan.' … It was short and sweet and we got to work,” Rattler said.

Carr was officially ruled out of the game on Friday. Tight end Taysom Hill (rib), guard Cesar Ruiz (knee), safety Will Harris (hamstring) and linebacker Pete Werner (hamstring) were also ruled out.

The Saints chose the fifth-round rookie over second-rounder Jake Haener, who has taken all of the snaps behind Carr in this year's games. Rattler was inactive as the third emergency quarterback.

Rattler said he was thrilled to find out the team had confidence in his ability to be a starter while Carr was out. The Saints also host the Denver Broncos on Thursday for a short week.

“I love our group. I have so many talented guys that I can rely on. I don’t have to do too much, I just give them the ball,” Rattler said.

Rattler said he worked his whole life for this opportunity but was sad it came at the expense of a teammate.

“It's unfortunate that Derek got hurt, our leader on our team, one of the best guys in the building,” Rattler said. “But I have a job to do, I have to go out and perform at a high level.”

Rattler said he is confident about the game plan against the Buccaneers this week, although he admitted he will try to shake off pregame nerves before his first NFL start.

“What I love about Klint and our offensive team is that we adapt it to the players,” Rattler said. “I really like it, I’m confident and we’ve had a great week so far.”

Saints coach Dennis Allen and Kubiak praised Rattler's behavior this week leading up to the game.

“I think Spencer has always had a no-compromise mentality,” Allen said. “…I think he and the rest of the team, including the coaches, are all excited to see what he can do.”

Kubiak said Rattler “has some loot.”

“He has a natural lightness about him, he feels comfortable in his skin,” said Kubiak.

Rattler said he contacted a number of friends and family this week after they heard the news. Among them was former Saints quarterback Archie Manning, who has reported regularly since Rattler attended the Manning Passing Academy in 2022. Rattler said Carr has also been a source of advice this week.

“He said, 'Hey, look, I'm here for whatever you need,'” Rattler said. “And then this is the most solid guy I've ever been with, you know what I mean? Just a people person, a great character that speaks volumes about who he is. I mean, I'm just giving you some information about what to do.” Expect, you know, “Be nice and calm, cool and just let it go.” Derek was great and he couldn't be better in this room Wish leaders.