Latest NFL news bodes extremely well for the Packers ahead of impactful primetime game

The Green Bay Packers are close to clinching a playoff spot, and it would happen with a win over the New Orleans Saints on Monday Night Football. That scenario has just become more likely. Saints starting quarterback Derek Carr’s status for the game was in question, but it now has been reported by NFL Network’s insider Ian Rapoport that he won’t be able to play.

Sources: #Saints QB Derek Carr underwent further examination recently and he’s at least a few weeks away from being able to withstand contact. With 3 weeks remaining, a return this season is described as very unlikely.

Carr has been out with a left hand fractured in two places. pic.twitter.com/YKT5Gmz8cL

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 17, 2024

Carr fractured his left hand in two places during the game against the New York Giants two weeks ago and didn’t play against the Washington Commanders.

The Saints are mathematically eliminated from the playoffs, and with only three games left in the regular season, the injury will likely end Derek Carr’s season.

Carr played only 10 games in 2024 because of multiple injuries. If this is it for him, the quarterback finishes off the season with 2,145 passing yards, 15 touchdowns, five interceptions, and a 101.0 passer rating, the second highest of his NFL career.

Options

Against the Commanders, the Saints decided to start 2023 fourth-round pick Jake Haener. However, it was a complete disaster. So the team went in the second half with fifth-round rookie Spencer Rattler, who had started the three games Carr missed earlier in the season.

The best of Spencer Rattler vs the Commanders yesterday pic.twitter.com/sJFX6UXO1b

— kaj (@kadinjanisch) December 16, 2024

The offense was much more productive with Rattler, and the Saints got close to winning — but they failed to convert a two-point attempt and lost 20-19.

After that sequence, it’s highly likely that Spencer Rattler will be the option to start in Green Bay on Monday night. The rookie has completed 57.5% of his passes, a 5.9 yards per attempt on average, with two touchdowns and two interceptions, a 73.1 passer rating.

Beyond Rattler and Haener, the Saints also have quarterback Ben DiNucci on the practice squad. The former XFL passing yards leader signed with New Orleans last week, after Carr got injured.

This will be the second time this season the Packers will face a backup quarterback. In Week 12, Green Bay beat the San Francisco 49ers with Brandon Allen at QB, since starter Brock Purdy had a shoulder injury.