Saints Bolster Quarterback Depth Amidst Carr's Injury Concerns
In a strategic move geared towards bolstering their quarterback depth, the New Orleans Saints have signed veteran quarterback Ben DiNucci. Amidst growing concerns over Derek Carr's health, this acquisition provides the Saints with much-needed reinforcement at the quarterback position.
Uncertainty Surrounding Carr's Health
Derek Carr, a pivotal figure in the Saints' offensive lineup, exited Sunday's victory over the New York Giants with multiple injuries. Medical examinations revealed a fracture in Carr's non-throwing hand and a concussion, injuries that are likely to sideline him for several weeks and potentially the remainder of the season. Despite the severity, the Saints are considering not placing Carr on injured reserve, a decision that underscores their hope for his potential return before the season concludes.
DiNucci's NFL Journey
The 27-year-old Ben DiNucci enters the Saints' ranks with a varied professional background. Originally a seventh-round draft pick by the Dallas Cowboys in 2020, DiNucci’s journey in the NFL has been notably transient. He started one game for the Cowboys during his rookie season, completing 21 of 40 passes for 180 yards, although it was marked by two critical fumbles. Despite flashes of potential, DiNucci was waived by the Cowboys in the summer of 2022.
Following his stint in the NFL, DiNucci carved out a role in the XFL, playing for the Seattle Sea Dragons. There, he started 10 games and led the league in passing with a commendable 7-3 record, showcasing his ability to lead an offense in a competitive environment. More recently, he spent the 2023 season with the Denver Broncos on their practice squad and briefly joined the Buffalo Bills during the 2023 summer training camp.
Implications of DiNucci's Signing
While the exact role DiNucci will occupy with the Saints remains to be clarified, his presence introduces intriguing possibilities. Should Carr not be placed on injured reserve and DiNucci joins the active roster, the Saints could find themselves with a quartet of quarterbacks, including Jake Haener and rookie Spencer Rattler.
This depth at quarterback offers strategic flexibility for the Saints, providing them with various combinations to navigate the remainder of the season. The experience and leadership qualities DiNucci demonstrated in the XFL could prove invaluable, particularly in ensuring the team remains competitive during Carr's absence.
Future Considerations
As the Saints assess their situation, the decision regarding Carr’s return will undoubtedly hinge on medical evaluations and the team’s performance in upcoming weeks. The potential for Carr’s comeback later in the season means the Saints must maintain a delicate balance—remaining competitive while ensuring Carr's injuries fully heal for optimal long-term performance.
For now, the signing of DiNucci serves as a pragmatic step towards maintaining continuity and resilience within the team's quarterback group. As the NFL season progresses, how the Saints manage their quarterback depth will be pivotal to their hopes of a successful campaign.