Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
By Ross Jackson
IRVINE, Calif. — New Orleans Saints head coach Kellen Moore announced following Friday’s scrimmage practice that the team will begin the preseason with second-year passer Spencer Rattler as the starting quarterback.
Spencer Rattler will start Sunday vs the Chargers, Kellen Moore announced after practice today #Saints pic.twitter.com/qzHQ0vtfLA
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) August 9, 2025
Moore was clear that Rattler earned the opportunity, rather than just being granted it based on seniority over rookie Tyler Shough.
“We had a couple different options as we went through this,” Moore said. “I think certainly he’s earned his way as he’s gone through this. That’s just a starting point. We’ll start here and then continue to evaluate this thing as we go.”
Rattler has clearly been the strongest, most decisive and most consistent passer of the trio of competitors. While this preseason nod is an acknowledgement of his performance throughout camp, there’s still a hurdle left to clear for the former South Carolina signal caller.
Being granted the preseason start does not guarantee Rattler the starting job for the regular season opener just yet.
Very likely, the performances from this weekend’s preseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers will factor greatly into the regular season decision.
While Shough has shown clear progress in recent practices, game situations will bring a different challenge, one Rattler may be better equipped for with six starts and seven games of experience last season.
While Rattler hasn’t secured the starting job for Week 1 just yet, he seems to have earned the obvious edge going into his preseason start on Sunday.
“(I) feel like it’s been a good camp,” the quarterback said Friday. “(I) feel like the guys have looked great and I know we’re all just excited to get out there and play somebody new and get some real ball in now. We’re looking forward to it.”
The quarterbacks were told of the decision before Friday’s 66-play scrimmage, during which Rattler impressed, throwing for 12/16 and two passing touchdowns.
