Saints bench Rattler, turn to rookie Shough

By Ross Jackson

NEW ORLEANS, La. – It didn’t happen the way many people might have expected, but the New Orleans Saints have turned their offense over to rookie quarterback Tyler Shough in the second half of their Week 8 matchup with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Loud cheers as Tyler Shough takes the field for the #Saints at QB.

— Ross Jackson (@RossJacksonNOLA) October 26, 2025

The team decided to bench starter Spencer Rattler after another multi-turnover game. Rattler was looking to bounce back from his four turnover output in last week’s game against the Chicago Bears, but instead ended up turning the ball over twice in the first half against the Bucs. The offense then sputtered coming out of halftime and that’s when the Saints turned things over to the rookie.

Shough was drafted with the No. 40 overall selection in this year’s draft and it was always expected that eventually he would assume the starting role this season. Assuming he holds on to it beyond this half of football, the Louisville product could be the starter the remainder of the way through the year.

As he took the field, the Caesars Superdome was filled with cheers and applause. Shough will hope to keep the spirits of the fanbase up throughout the remainder of this game, as the team trails 17-3.

Whether or not Shough will maintain the role next week against the Los Angeles Rams remains to be seen. But he has a chance to make that decision easy for New Orleans if he can provide a spark as the game dwindles to its end.