Saints name Spencer Rattler Week 1 QB vs Cardinals

The New Orleans Saints have named Spencer Rattler as their starting quarterback for Week 1 against the Arizona Cardinals, ending a summer-long competition that also involved Tyler Shough and Jake Haener. The decision, announced by first-year head coach Kellen Moore, confirms that Rattler will lead the offense to open the season, with Shough serving as the immediate backup and Haener released from the active roster as the Saints move to the 53-player limit.

Rattler’s path to the job was shaped by three preseason appearances in which he carried the first-team workload and showcased a blend of arm accuracy and mobility. Through three exhibition games, he completed 30 of 43 passes for 295 yards with one touchdown and one interception, while adding 41 rushing yards. Shough, meanwhile, completed 36 of 54 passes for 333 yards with one touchdown and one interception and also produced a rushing score. Haener did not see action in the preseason and was later designated for release as the roster tightened. The numbers underscored a close competition, but Moore cited consistency and decision-making as the decisive factors in the choice.

In announcing the decision, Moore emphasized a...