New Orleans Saints

New Orleans Saints rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler (hip) will start again this Sunday, according to Sean Fazende of FOX 8. Rattler has gotten the starting nod in each of the past two weeks and has averaged 207.5 passing yards per game with one total score. After eclipsing 200 yards in his professional debut, he took a step back last Thursday and tallied just 172 passing yards against Denver. Fantasy managers in superflex formats should continue to hold on to Rattler for the time being, as he should remain the starter until Derek Carr (oblique) is ready to return. He faces a tough Los Angeles Chargers defense this weekend that has allowed the 10th-fewest points to opposing QBs, only making him start-worthy in deep superflex leagues.UPDATE: Rattler was a full practice participant on Wednesday.

The New Orleans Saints and running back Alvin Kamara agreed to a two-year, $24.5 million contract extension on Tuesday that puts him under contract through the 2026 season, according to sources. The deal was confirmed by Kamara's agent, Brad Cicala, and puts the 2017 third-round selection in a spot to retire with the organization. The five-time Pro Bowler had a career-low 694 rushing yards for the Saints in 2023, but he bounced back 362 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns on 80 carries in the first four games of 2024 before struggling the last three games. Kamara could continue to struggle on the ground as long as quarterback Derek Carr (oblique) remains out, but predictions of his demise after last season so far have proven unfounded. The 29-year-old trails only Derrick Henry in overall half-PPR fantasy points heading into Week 8.

NewOrleans.Football's Nick Underhill writes that New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave (concussion) could be back with the team for their Week 8 contest on Sunday against the Los Angeles Chargers. Olave suffered a concussion in the Week 6 loss to the division-rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers and was unable to gain clearance to play in last Thursday night's loss to the Denver Broncos. The 24-year-old former first-rounder is still in the league's concussion protocol, though, so he'll need to improve this week before hoping to gain clearance from an independent neurologist later in the week. Fantasy managers shouldn't consider Olave a lock at all to return against LA. And with Rashid Shaheed (knee) done for the year, the Saints could be forced to use rookies Mason Tipton and Bub Means and Cedrick Wilson Jr. in three-wide sets again this weekend if Olave misses a second straight game.

New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen said the plan is to stick with rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler (hip) if Derek Carr (oblique) is unable to play in Week 8 against the Los Angeles Chargers. Allen feels that Rattler has played well when he has been protected. Meanwhile, Carr had a throwing session on Monday and will have another on Tuesday as the team continues to evaluate him. The Saints pulled Rattler late in a blowout loss to the Denver Broncos last Thursday due to a hip-pointer injury, but he appears to be on track to play this weekend if Carr isn't cleared. The 24-year-old was dominated by a good Broncos defense last week and threw for 172 yards and no TDs while losing two fumbles. He's been sacked 11 times in his first two NFL starts and could be without top wideout Chris Olave (concussion) again this week. If Rattler makes a third straight start, he'll be a desperation low-end QB2 against the Bolts.

Veteran free-agent wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling signed an undisclosed deal with the New Orleans Saints on Monday, according to sources. It's a bit surprising that the Chiefs didn't lure Valdes-Scantling back given all their injuries at the receiver position, but New Orleans has needs of their own at the position after they lost deep threat Rashid Shaheed (knee) to a torn meniscus last week. In addition, Chris Olave (concussion) could be in danger of missing a second straight game in Week 8 against the Los Angeles Chargers. If Olave doesn't clear the concussion protocol in time to play this Sunday, MVS will likely just be serving as receiving depth behind rookies Mason Tipton and Bub Means and Cedrick Wilson Jr. The Buffalo Bills released MVS after he caught only two of his nine targets for 26 yards in six games to begin this season.