NFL News: Saints' Derek Carr Reportedly 'Very Unlikely' to Return from Injury in 2024

Derek Carr's 2024 season is likely over as the New Orleans Saints quarterback continues to rehab from a fractured left hand.

Per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Carr's return to play is described as "very unlikely" after a recent examination determined he is "at least" a few weeks away from being able to withstand contact in games.

Carr suffered the injury in the fourth quarter of New Orleans' 14-11 win over the New York Giants on Dec. 8. He collided with a teammate on a scramble and used his left hand to brace his fall.

Jake Haener replaced Carr for the Saints' final offensive possession of the game.

Interim head coach Darren Rizzi told reporters after the win that Carr would be considered "week to week" since the injury wouldn't require surgery, but the team wanted to see how he responded before making a decision about putting him on injured reserve.

An IR stint would have officially ended Carr's season since it requires a minimum four-game absence. It's still possible the Saints could place him on injured reserve given the new information they have.

Haener made his first career start on Sunday against the Washington Commanders. He finished 4-of-10 for 49 yards with one interception before being benched at halftime in favor of Spencer Rattler.

Rattler went 10-of-21 for 135 yards and one touchdown. He led a 56-yard scoring drive at the end of the fourth quarter, but his two-point conversion attempt fell incomplete to give the Commanders a 20-19 win.

This season has to be considered a huge disappointment for Carr and the Saints because of how they started the year. They were on a historic offensive pace amid a 2-0 start that saw them score 91 total points.

Since that hot start, the Saints have lost nine of their last 12 games. Carr missed three games from Weeks 6-8 due to an oblique injury. Assuming he doesn't play again in 2024, his 10 starts will be his fewest in a single season in his NFL career.

The Saints will wrap up this season with games against the Green Bay Packers, Las Vegas Raiders and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.