Saints confirm Jake Haener will start, haven't ruled Derek Carr out

The Saints haven't ruled Derek Carr out for Sunday’s game against the Commanders yet, but they know he won't be starting.

Interim head coach Darren Rizzi confirmed Thursday's report that Jake Haener will start that game during his Friday afternoon press conference. It will be Haener's first NFL start.

Carr has a left hand injury and a concussion, but Rizzi said he could still be cleared to serve as the team's second or third quarterback on Sunday. If he is the backup, rookie Spencer Rattler would be the third quarterback and Rattler will be the No. 2 if Carr isn't able to fill that role.

Rizzi also said that running back Alvin Kamara returned to practice after missing two days with an illness. Kamara will not have an injury designation and is set to join Haener in the starting lineup against Washington.