Saints' QB race remains close ahead of final preseason vs Broncos

The New Orleans Saints have not named their Week 1 starter, with head coach Kellen Moore saying the quarterback competition between Spencer Rattler and Tyler Shough remains extremely close and will not be decided until after the final preseason game against the Denver Broncos. Moore indicated there would be no rush to a designation, emphasizing that both players have earned opportunities to separate themselves through training camp and two exhibition games.

The competition has produced mixed results and close numbers through two preseason outings, keeping the decision in suspense. In the latest preseason action, a 17-17 tie with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Shough started and guided the team to three points in the first half, while Rattler played the final two quarters and contributed the late comeback drive. Shough finished 9-of-12 for 66 yards with two sacks and an intentional grounding penalty, while Rattler went 18-of-24 for 199 yards, including a late touchdown and a turnover that was followed by a game-tying drive. Moore underscored that the result of the game would not in itself determine the QB1, noting the team would continue evaluating both players’ preparation and execution.