The New Orleans Saints are facing a key decision on their starting quarterback for Week 1, with Spencer Rattler gaining attention as a frontrunner over Tyler Shough. The team originally drafted Shough in the second round from Louisville to compete for the spot, especially after Derek Carr’s unexpected retirement due to injury cleared the path for a rookie starter.

NFL analyst Hayden Winks reports that Rattler has been outperforming Shough during training camp, positioning himself as the likely Week 1 starter for the Saints.

“The news out of Saints camp is that Spencer Rattler is out-playing Tyler Shough and is on pace to be the Week 1 starter,” Winks wrote.

As the team prepares for the season opener, the competition between the two rookies has intensified, keeping the Saints’ quarterback situation uncertain.

Quarterback Rotations and Coach’s Strategy in Training Camp

In practices observed by ESPN’s Katherine Terrell, Rattler, Shough, and Jake Haener have been sharing reps, with no immediate decision announced. Coach Kellen Moore confirmed that the plan was to rotate quarterbacks through the preseason to evaluate their performance thoroughly.

“Obviously we’ll make the adjustments once we get out of that first preseason game and go from there,” Moore said.

Moore emphasized a patient approach to naming the starter, indicating his willingness to let the decision play out in training camp.

“Anytime the decision becomes clear, we’ll make the decision, we’ll just roll and that can happen whenever. [If] it goes all the way to the end, it goes all the way to the end. If it doesn’t, it doesn’t,” Moore said.

Rattler’s previous experience with the Saints includes starting six games and appearing in seven, during which he completed 130 of 228 passes for 1,317 yards, four touchdowns, and five interceptions.

Saints Coach Highlights Tyler Shough’s Growth and Potential

While Rattler’s performance has drawn headlines, Moore has expressed clear appreciation for Tyler Shough’s progress as the rookie quarterback. Although Shough is a year older than Rattler, he spent seven years in college due to injuries and brings a wealth of experience to the team.

“Tyler’s done a nice job. He’s communicating at a really high level. He’s making good decisions,” Moore said. “We’ll evaluate each and every day. These guys will grow every day, every opportunity, especially for Tyler in his first time, rookie year training camp.

“Every day this is a new install, new material, that maybe is a first time for him. And so, he’s going through that process. He’s done an excellent job.”

Shough’s college career at Louisville was productive, completing 244 of 389 passes for 3,195 yards, 23 touchdowns, and six interceptions last season. He remains a serious contender for the Saints’ starting quarterback role.

Season Kickoff and What to Expect Moving Forward

The Saints will officially open their season at home against the Arizona Cardinals on September 7. The decision on who starts under center will significantly impact the team’s initial momentum, with both rookies preparing intensely to seize the opportunity.

The ongoing competition reflects the team’s determination to find the best fit at quarterback after Carr’s retirement, and the fans can expect continued scrutiny of both Rattler and Shough’s performances throughout the preseason and early games.