The final NFL preseason game is a team’s last chance to have a sort of “dress rehearsal” before the start of the regular season. As a result, it’s not uncommon for teams to give the starters a few snaps just to make sure they’re ready to begin the season. But it doesn’t sound like the New Orleans Saints will be doing that with new quarterback Derek Carr.
During his recent press conference, New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen announced that Derek Carr will not play in the team’s final preseason game against the Houston Texans on Sunday night.
“Dennis Allen said that Derek Carr won’t play this week,” New Orleans Saints beat writer Nick Underhill said on Twitter.
Dennis Allen said that Derek Carr won’t play this week
— Nick Underhill (@nick_underhill) August 25, 2023
The announcement from Allen led to quite a few reactions on social media.
Derek Carr will not play in the Preseason finale which mean Jake Haener will more than likely play at least a half of football. #Saints pic.twitter.com/Emj4TBd1dV
— TJAY Jones (@tjayjones8) August 25, 2023
Derek Carr expected to sit out preseason finale. That could only mean one thing… pic.twitter.com/GmWzDFiKxq
— Chris Rosvoglou (@RosvoglouReport) August 25, 2023
Texans 1st team defense won’t have anything to remember when facing Carr week 6 https://t.co/pq9sKYvL3f
— NaronStradomus (@theTNShow) August 25, 2023
I feel like this is a mistake https://t.co/0EMrxXV7Ku
— Floyd_Henderson (@AL_BUNDY88) August 25, 2023
— Marlon (@ItsRaineyDoe) August 25, 2023
Hmmm, this isn’t a good sign.
— Norris (@SkeletonPyrate) August 25, 2023
This is a somewhat surprising decision from the Saints given that Carr is new to the team and is likely still developing some sort of chemistry with the offense.
Carr only played in one preseason game for the Saints this preseason, going 6-of-8 for 70 yards and a touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs during the team’s first game of the preseason. So that will be the only time Carr sees live reps before the start of the regular season.
