By Ross Jackson
New Orleans, La — The quarterback competition for the New Orleans Saints’ starting role is now being limited for one passer.
Per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, one of the three core competitors for the role, Jake Haener,has suffered an oblique injury which is likely to sideline him throughout OTAs.
Saints QB Jake Haener, part of a three-way competition to become the team’s starting quarterback, suffered an oblique strain at the end of Wednesday’s practice and now is expected to miss “a couple of weeks”, per league sources. Haener likely will miss the remainder of OTAs, but… pic.twitter.com/nSVcMkImze
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 22, 2025
Haener, rookie Tyler Shough and second-year passer Spencer Rattler are expected to be at the top of the battle for the starting role in New Orleans, with Shough and Rattler more firmly positioned to win the role.
This, unfortunately for Haener, will create more space between him and the top pair. However, he is expected to return for training camp, giving him a chance to close the gap before the season begins.
The Saints also signed rookie undrafted quarterback Hunter Dekkers who will now get a head start on the QB3 spot while Haener misses OTAs.
Haener started one game last year but appeared in eight games. He has the most NFL experience in the Saints’ quarterback room, though Rattler has the most starts with six.
The Fresno State alum completed just 46.2% of his passes last year for 226 passing yards, one passing touchdown and an interception. He was also sacked six times.
