Saints' June 2025 OTAs: QB battle heats up between Tyler Shough & Spencer Rattler post-Derek Carr. Jake Haener injury update. Who will lead the Saints?
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
Who Dat Nation, buckle up! Monday's OTA session at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center gave us a tantalizing glimpse into what the 2025 Saints might look like, and the biggest takeaway is clear: the post-Derek Carr era is officially underway with a fiery quarterback competition. But as the offense tries to find its new leader, a growing injury list is casting a shadow over early preparations.
With Derek Carr's cleats hung up, rookie Tyler Shough and second-year Spencer Rattler are seizing every rep, turning OTAs into a must-watch QB duel.
The Saints dropped some OTA highlights today, and while it's always great to see the Black and Gold back on the field, the real buzz is around the quarterback position. With Derek Carr's retirement, the door is wide open. Rookie Tyler Shough, the 40th overall pick, is reportedly making a strong impression, showcasing the talent that made him a high draft choice. He's not alone, though. Second-year QB Spencer Rattler is also in the thick of it, and with Jake Haener sidelined by an oblique injury, both Shough and Rattler are getting ample opportunity to take first-team reps. This isn't just a camp battle; this is for the keys to the offense. Every throw, every read, every huddle command is being scrutinized. This is the storyline that will define the Saints' preseason.
While the QB competition provides excitement, the injury report released Monday is a cause for significant concern. A staggering nine players are listed as questionable for the start of training camp. This isn't just depth pieces; we're talking key starters. Alvin Kamara (groin) and Erik McCoy (elbow) are vital cogs in the offense. On the defensive side, Pete Werner (concussion) and D'Marco Jackson (ankle) are important linebackers. The tight end room is particularly banged up, with Foster Moreau (knee) and rookie Dallin Holker (undisclosed) both questionable. Add OG Nick Saldiveri (knee) and LB Jaylan Ford (lower leg) to that list, and it's clear the training staff will be busy. This many question marks before camp even begins is a worrying trend.
Adding to the tight end concerns, Taysom Hill's recovery from an ACL tear continues to be a major question mark. He remains questionable for training camp, and his availability for the start of the regular season is very much up in the air. Hill's unique role means his absence would significantly impact the Saints' offensive versatility and red-zone packages. The team will need to plan for contingencies, making the health of Moreau and Holker even more critical.
Beyond personnel, schematic adjustments are also on the docket. Reports from Monday's practice coverage indicate that more changes are anticipated for the Saints' defense. While specific details remain under wraps, it's clear the coaching staff is still tweaking the defensive scheme following recent roster moves and coaching adjustments. The OTA highlights released today offer a peek into these preparations, showing the team working through drills as they install and refine these new looks. Fans will be eager to see how this revamped defense takes shape.
With training camp on the horizon, these OTAs are crucial for laying the groundwork. The quarterback situation, the health of key veterans, and the evolution of the defense will be the dominant storylines as the Saints march towards the 2025 season. Stay tuned, Who Dat Nation, it's going to be an interesting ride!
