Week 1 is finally here, and the New Orleans Saints are looking for a fast start. Opening the season against the Carolina Panthers presents a winnable matchup, but nothing is given in the NFL. The Saints will face the early test of a division opponent and a team growing in talent. In the process, they will be down a few pieces in their defensive front seven.
Inactives for the Saints and Panthers include New Orleans linebackers D’Marco Jackson and Jaylan Ford as well as Panthers tight end Tommy Tremble. On Saturday, the Panthers also sent tight end Ian Thomas to injured reserve.
Saints Inactives:
WR A.T. Perry
QB Spencer Rattler
DT Khalen Saunders
LB D’Marco Jackson
LB Jaylan Ford
TE Dallin Holker
DT John Ridgeway III
The Saints have elevated linebacker Khaleke Hudson and defensive tackle Kendal Vickers to help fill out their defensive and special teams units.
With Rattler inactive, that would mean that quarterback Jake Haener will be the official “QB2” for this week. Head coach Dennis Allen said that the competition between the two will continue throughout the season. Seeing the incumbent player claim the crown for the first week is not surprising. It remains to be seen at the moment if Rattler is designated as the “emergency third quarterback” with Taysom Hill always a viable option at the position.
