Derek Carr DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

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.

According to New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen, quarterback Derek Carr (oblique) will resume throwing on Saturday. However, it's unknown when he'll return to practice. "I'm not sure," said Allen when asked about Carr's potential availability for the Week 8 matchup with the Chargers. Yet, the coach was more optimistic about Week 9, stating "it's very likely" the signal-caller would be back on the field versus the Carolina Panthers. Carr was decent in his five appearances this season, tossing for 989 yards, eight touchdowns, and four interceptions while completing 70.3% of his attempts. Unfortunately, the Saints offense has been banged up, so it's unclear who he'll have catching the ball upon his return. In the meantime, Spencer Rattler (hip) remains in line to start, although the rookie has struggled. But if he goes on the shelf, the team could turn to Taysom Hill (ribs), assuming he gets healthy, or Jake Haener, the third-string quarterback. With that in mind, nobody under center in New Orleans should be classified as a reliable fantasy option until the team shows consistency on the offensive end moving forward.

New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (oblique) has officially been ruled out for Thursday night's contest against the visiting Denver Broncos. Carr will miss his second straight game after suffering a left-oblique strain in the Week 5 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. The 33-year-old veteran signal-caller came into this game listed as doubtful, so fantasy managers weren't expecting him to play anyway. We'll have to wait and see if he can return to play in Week 8 against the Los Angeles Chargers. Rookie QB Spencer Rattler will make his second straight start in Week 7 but will be without receivers Chris Olave (concussion) and Rashid Shaheed (knee). Against a tough Broncos defense, expect the Saints to lean heavily on running back Alvin Kamara and the short passing attack. Rattler will be a low-end QB2, at best, in superflex fantasy leagues.UPDATE: According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, there's "at least a chance" that Carr will return to practice next week.

New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (oblique) is listed as doubtful to play on Thursday night against the Denver Broncos. Carr has been dealing with a torn oblique that cost him the Saints' Week 6 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Carr has not practiced all week and so it is interesting that the Saints have not officially ruled him out for Thursday. The listing as doubtful leaves the door cracked for Carr to play but it seems highly unlikely at this point. All signs suggest that rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler will get his second start on Thursday night. Unfortunately, the Saints will be without Rashid Shaheed (knee) and Chris Olave (concussion). If Carr cannot go, then his next chance to retake the field will be in Week 8 against the Los Angeles Chargers.

New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (oblique) was a DNP at practice on Tuesday. Carr was originally reported to likely miss multiple weeks so his practice status comes as no surprise. The Saints play on Thursday Night Football against the Denver Broncos and Carr's lack of practice suggests that he is on his way to missing another week. Rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler threw for 243 yards and a touchdown in place of Carr in Week 6. He posted a poor QBR of 27.9. Prior to his injury, Carr had racked up 989 passing yards and eight touchdowns in five games. His completion percentage of 70.3 is excellent but Carr struggled over his past couple of games. For now, the Saints will have to hope that Rattler can pick up his play as Carr continues to heal.