Saints Quarterback Derek Carr Unlikely to Face Buccaneers in Week 18

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers may once again miss Derek Carr and face off against Spencer Rattler in Week 18.

Dec 8, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (4) drops back to pass against the New York Giants during the third quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images | Brad Penner-Imagn Images

It's looking like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will have missed playing New Orleans Saints QB Derek Carr all together.

Carr recently injured his non-throwing hand after he fractured it while landing on the ground against the New York Giants in Week 14, and though it was confirmed he would miss some games, the question was how many. Carr was undergoing treatment and the Saints declined to put him on injured reserve in hopes of a return — per NFL inside Ian Rapaport, however, recent examination has revealed that the prospect is becoming unlikely.

Sources: #Saints QB Derek Carr underwent further examination recently and he’s at least a few weeks away from being able to withstand contact. With 3 weeks remaining, a return this season is described as very unlikely.

Carr has been out with a left hand fractured in two places. pic.twitter.com/YKT5Gmz8cL

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 17, 2024

As a result, the Buccaneers will either face off against Jake Haener or Spencer Rattler in their final game in Week 18. Haener filled in for Carr on Sunday, but a very poor performance that saw him go 4/10 for just 49 yards and a pick earned him a benching for Rattler, who finished the game going 10/21 for 135 yards and a touchdown.

The Buccaneers played Rattler in the first matchup, and they took care of the Saints then, defeating them 51-27. It's looking like Tampa Bay will face him again in Week 18, and it could be a crucial game depening on how the Atlanta Falcons do from here on out.

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